Homebase, located in Shirley, is embarking on an ambitious expansion project that aims to establish it as Christchurch’s premier outdoor retail destination. The current 4.8-hectare site, situated north of the existing shopping centre on Marshland Rd, is poised to more than double in size.
According to Evan Harris, a national retail property consultant at Colliers, demographic studies indicate a residential catchment of approximately 100,000 people in the area. Harris emphasized that the expanded Homebase will complement existing shopping options such as The Palms, which predominantly features smaller specialty stores ranging from 100 to 150 square meters.
“In contrast,” Harris noted, “our minimum tenant size will be 450 square meters, attracting a different style of retailer.”
The expansion project will unfold in four distinct stages. The initial phase will introduce five medium-sized retail outlets alongside four hospitality establishments. Confirmed anchor tenants include a major supermarket chain, likely Woolworths, and a prominent homeware store.
Market research underscores the demand for enhanced retail offerings in Christchurch’s eastern and northern suburbs, particularly compared to the well-served western areas.
Developers anticipate completing the first stage of the Homebase expansion by mid-next year, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of this retail hub into a cornerstone of Christchurch’s shopping landscape.
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