Northlink adds Harvey Norman store to mix

Harvey Norman is opening a huge new store in the final stage of the large format shopping centre Northlink at Langdons Rd in Papanui, North Christchurch.

Construction of Stage Three, covering 7865 square metres, is now in full swing, taking the total floor area of Northlink to 29,500sqm on completion, with more than 700 carparks.

Harvey Norman has taken a lease for a circa 6000sqm showroom plus additional warehousing, with technical outdoor retail brand Macpac and specialty automotive parts and accessories retailer SuperCheap Auto both signing for 915sqm each.

Colliers Director of Retail in Christchurch, Nick Doig, who has spearheaded the project leasing of the centre over the past five years, says demand continues to exceed supply at Northlink, which is anchored by Kmart, Briscoes and now, Harvey Norman.

“Northlink has been popular since its inception, drawing on the strong surrounding population and attracting shoppers from throughout Christchurch because of its retailer mix, convenient location, and plentiful parking.”

The new Harvey Norman store will be among the chain’s biggest in New Zealand.

“Harvey Norman is always on the lookout for new locations where we can best serve the community and satisfy all of their home furnishing and entertainment needs,” says Doug Murray, National Development & Asset Manager (NZ).

“We expect to open several more stores across New Zealand over the coming years. Our next store to open in Christchurch is at Ravenswood, Rangiora in North Canterbury. Construction is well progressed, and the store is planned to open in late 2024.”

Built on 7.3 hectares, Northlink once home to the Firestone tyre factory and transformed the industrial brownfield site into one of Christchurch’s premier retail centres. When the third stage is finished, Northlink will comprise 24 tenancies and will be fully leased.