Weekend Herald

Westgate shopping centre for sale

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The Westgate Lifestyle Shopping Centre in the heart of north-west Auckland, one of New Zealand’s fastest growing residentia­l areas, is up for sale. Currently owned by New Zealand’s largest diversifie­d property company, Kiwi Property Group, and located directly opposite the country’s first Costco store, the large format retail centre provides about

25,754sqm of lettable area on a prime

5.1ha site, with 622 parking spaces. The Westgate Lifestyle Shopping Centre is being marketed exclusivel­y through joint agents Bruce Whillans, managing director of Whillans Realty Group, and Richard Kirke, internatio­nal sales director of capital markets at Colliers, with expression­s of interest closing on November 17.

Home to 28 stores, including some of Australasi­a’s best-known brands, Westgate Lifestyle is anchored by five major retailers, including Harvey Norman, Freedom Furniture, Hunter Furniture, Briscoes, and Rebel Sport. The tenancy mix includes Warehouse Stationery, Bed Bath & Beyond, Bedpost, Flex Fitness, Godfreys, Kitchen Things, Lighting Direct and Nood, and produces a net annual rental income of about $6 million.

Whillans says: “Westgate Lifestyle Shopping Centre is currently fully occupied, and the majority of the rental stream incorporat­es fixed or CPI rental reviews, giving it guaranteed rental growth. Alongside industrial, large format retail has been one of the most resilient asset classes through the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Rental growth in the sector has been supported by extremely low vacancy, currently sitting at less than 1 per cent, with high occupier demand and rapidly rising constructi­on costs limiting new supply.”

Kirke adds: “In addition to its attractive income profile and exposure to some of Australasi­a’s most well-known retail brands, the centre is underpinne­d by its significan­t land value. The recent opening of Costco is a major vote of confidence for Westgate ... as Costco is a drawcard destinatio­n, driving traffic and retail spend in the rest of the Westgate retail precinct.”

 ?? ?? The Westgate Lifestyle Shopping Centre is home to 28 stores. Photo / Supplied
The Westgate Lifestyle Shopping Centre is home to 28 stores. Photo / Supplied

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