Westfield Riccarton tenants bumped
Managers at Westfield Riccarton are tight-lipped about planned changes to the Christchurch mall even though tenants have received notice to quit their premises.
Westfield Riccarton shop owner Shelley Musgrove was shocked to receive a letter from mall management terminating her lease from October 30.
She owns the Trendez body piercing jewellery shop near the eastern entrance.
Musgrove said she was told by mall management the moves were part of a revamp that would see a major new tenant take over a large space on the ground and first floors.
Anecdotal reports from workers within the mall suggest the changes are being made for the arrival of either H&M or Zara.
Musgrove said she was disappointed by Westfield’s treatment. She had always paid rent on time in the 11 years she had been there and obeyed all the tenancy rules.
‘‘I’m pretty angry and not keen to enter any new lease. They’re just so greedy. We paid $200,000 for a fitout and $23,000 rent a month plus other expenses on top.’’
The letter from leasing manager Robin Murphy, who works for Westfield and joint Riccarton mall owner Scentre Group, said ‘‘a substantial alteration to Westfield Riccarton is about to occur’’, Musgrove’s site was no longer suitable, and an alternative site had been allocated to Trendez.
The alternative site is along one of the mall’s side lanes with lesser profile, which Musgrove said was unsuitable.
‘‘When they first told us we had to move for alterations we said we didn’t want to but they said ‘read clause 12.2.1 of your lease’.’’
Musgrove said she was exploring her options. At this stage she did not envisage laying off any of the 11 staff.
Trendez had another store at Northlands and a wholesale online operation.
Westfield public relations manager Debra McGhie said Scentre Group/Westfield made changes to its tenancy mix as part of its standard business practice.
‘‘This provides the opportunity to enhance the customer experience for our shoppers
‘‘No decisions have been made with respect to Westfield Riccarton. Should this position change we will advise,’’ McGhie said.
Last year Scentre/Westfield purchased a block of land to the east of the mall bordered by Clarence, Rotherham and Dilworth streets for $3.3 million.
Work is under way stripping the interior of the former Farmers and Whitcoulls building on Rotherham St.
‘‘The current works comprise routine defit works in premises vacated by a previous tenant,’’ the company said.
According to the Scentre Group annual report, the mall has a value of $292m.