Bay of Plenty MP Tony Ryall is backing Bayfair Shopping Centre, citing its $15 million refurbishment as 'great” for the Western Bay of Plenty.

Tony Ryall is scheduled to open the final stage of the Bayfair refurbishment next week.

Tony is expected to cut the ribbon at the launch of the refurbished area at the mall next Wednesday and says this project is indicative of much of what is going on in the region.

'This is one of a number of major projects in the Western Bay, including new schools and roads.

'The Bayfair refurbishment continues to create jobs and opportunities in our region – it's great.”

Among the improvements to the mall are a new-look retail environment, a reconfigured entry point, and an updated grocery option as a result of the Woolworths refurbishment.

Bayfair is owned by AMP Capital Investors and its fund manager, Conrad Sinclair, says the refurbishment is a measure of the strong confidence the group has in that business.

'Bayfair serves an important role in the wider community as a major shopping destination for the Tauranga region, which is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing regions and experiences huge seasonal surges in tourism,” says Conrad.

'In fact, recent Statistics New Zealand figures found that in the June 2010 year, Tauranga was one of the fastest growing urban areas (up 1.5 per cent).

'As the region grows, we want to grow with it, and the refurbishment is part of future-proofing for that growth.”

Tower Investments head of property Brent Buchanan agrees.

'Bayfair is a long term investment that we wish to see grow and continue to be the Bay of Plenty's premier shopping centre.

'Our confidence to invest in this refurbishment supports the government's bold plans for the region.”

New additions to the centre, JB Hi-Fi, 123 Mart and Chii Health and Beauty had a warm welcome in October, attracting 23,500 people to the centre on opening day.

A first for the Bay of Plenty, home entertainment specialist JB Hi-Fi carries New Zealand's biggest range of CDs, DVDs and games, plus a huge range of televisions, computers, cameras, iPods, sound systems and in-car entertainment.

New Zealand's largest manchester specialist Bed, Bath & Beyond has opened its doors too, increasing the choice in homewares for the centre's shoppers.

There are also additions to the food options, including returning food retailers Nandos and Saaj Indian Cuisine.

Bayfair Shopping Centre manager Andrew Wadsworth says the refurbishment is well timed.

'The completion of this refurbishment marks a significant milestone in the history of the centre and the timing is ideal as Bayfair recognised its 25th anniversary.”

Bayfair has also welcomed back many of its existing retailers, who either closed temporarily during the refurbishment or operated from a temporary location.

Hardy's Healthy Living, Tank Juice Bar, Subway, Silvermoon, Rodney Wayne, Blueberry and Pero's Hairtek are now trading from their new locations in the centre.

Whitcoulls and ANZ have also benefited from the refurbishment, unveiling new store frontages and creating an additional entry to their stores.