New look Palm Beach Plaza

Palm Beach Plaza is set to get a new look ahead of schedule due to rapid growth of residential developments in the suburb and interest from retailers.

Renovations and new building on the centre off Gravatt Road is set to start in the next few months, announced centre manager David Hill.

Perspective of the new look Palm Beach Plaza.

The significant upgrade not only features renovations to the existing space but the addition of 6000m² plus of retail space.

'This upgrade and expansion has been planned over the past 14 months and has involved a considerable amount of community consultation – all to deliver on the promise of the quality shopping offer that Papamoa residents deserve,” says David.

'A mixture of specialty and larger format retailers, that have shown considerable interest in Papamoa, will be progressively added to the mix over the next 18 months,” says David.

He says retail growth figures combined with the rapid growth of residential developments have given the owners of Palm Beach Plaza the confidence to start the rebuild process earlier than anticipated.

'We will begin with a new entrance statement then progressively upgrade the exterior facade – all the while the internal look, feel, tenancy mix and retail experience will be substantially altered to reflect the new image.”

Promotions will include opportunities for locals to come up with a new name for the current 'Palm Beach Plaza” and have a say in the nature and mixture of retailers –like a 'Retailer Idol”, says David.

'The architectural designs and structural changes to the existing building, combined with the addition of new retail space will add significantly to the retail offer and sense of community that already exists in Papamoa.”

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11 comments

Palm Plaza

Posted on 18-06-2014 09:07 | By Harper

You have to wonder about this "great new look" for the Plaza, why expand when there are currently so many vacant shops, and to top it off they have increased rents to such an outrageous amount that current long term tenants are being forced out because they can no longer afford to be there or have been told they are not wanted there any more. I only hope that whatever the new retail outlets are they are suited to the area and not so upmarket that they are unaffordable for local consumers.


Wheres the cinema?

Posted on 18-06-2014 09:26 | By jed

Every city in the country has a mall with a cinema. People like that. But, not Tauranga. We'll always be a village until we get the mall with a cinema...and a rugby stadium... and a museum...and an international airport.


Papamoa shopping Bus Stops

Posted on 18-06-2014 10:18 | By SonnyJim

It would be nice if attention were given to the Palm Beach Plaza bus stop position. The present location is a bit nuts - the local bus and the much larger Whakatane bus must pick a path out and around and through and dodge the parked cars to get to the stop. A time wasting and unfortunate route. On the other hand, the stops for the Fashion Island area are in thoroughly silly locations. It would appear that bus stops in this whole area were never in the grand plan.


Cinema vote

Posted on 18-06-2014 12:10 | By Azza

I second the nomination for a cinema! Perhaps above the food court like other cities.


Re: Harper

Posted on 18-06-2014 13:45 | By expatAucklander

Papamoa is slowly becoming gentrified, a lot of people moving into the area are skilled and educated. Bring on the upmarket retail stores, it would be nice being able to shop closer to home rather than heading to the mount.


empty shops of Tauranga

Posted on 18-06-2014 13:46 | By rotovend

There are already plenty of cinemas in Tauranga and most movies will be watched from home anyway. A ten minute drive to the Mount, Bayfair and Tauranga about a 15 minute drive. We need more empty shops and food outlets like a jole in the head. There are plenty of great Cafes etc around people just need to get out there and go to them. A ten-minute trip is very close. And a mall does not a city make a mall makes a wanna be American/Australian shopping consumer thing rather than shopping at main streets and in more community friendly surrounds with high quality local food and products which also attract more tourists than revolting malls


@rotovend

Posted on 18-06-2014 15:09 | By jed

You're certainly welcome to your opinion but I wonder if you're in the older age group. All cities in NZ have a mall with a cinema, because people love that. Except , Tauranga. In my opinion (backed up with factual examples), you are wrong. We want Tauranga to shed the image of gods waiting room after all.Tauranga CBD is woefully depressing-- maybe because the positioning means that is is dark and dreary with few sunny spots out of the wind.


ExpatAuck

Posted on 18-06-2014 16:03 | By Harper

There is upmarket and upmarket, we don't want to pay Auckland prices, make it good quality, affordable shopping for all our community not just a select few - and why are expat Aucklanders coming to the wonderful Bay of Plenty - because its more affordable.


Harper

Posted on 18-06-2014 18:22 | By Te Ponui

I agree. We don't need expensive label stores. We should be supporting local businesses and those that cater for the communities they trade within. The food area in Papamoa mall could do with a facelift. Movie theatres are a thing of the past and way too expensive. The bus situation is a problem though but TCC should come to the party there not the just Mall.


Te Ponui, buses and TCC

Posted on 18-06-2014 20:57 | By Murray.Guy

Te Ponui, buses are domain of the BOP Regional Council. TCC provides only supports the BOPRC bus service with shelters, seats and information.


.

Posted on 19-06-2014 10:33 | By maccachic

Haha at the movie theatre suggestions just how busy are the current theatres. I'm sure those suggesting it are welcome to approach the owners for shop space and to put their money where their mouth is. Just how offen do you attend the cinema?


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