More parking, fewer shops at mall

Tenants in Timaru’s Northtown Mall are disappointed the number of retail outlets will be reduced as part of a mall redevelopment expected to start next year.

In a resource consent application to the Timaru District Council, Foodstuffs (South Island) Ltd said it intended to demolish part of its mall alongside the company’s Pak ’n Save supermarket, to reduce the floor space from 8219sqm to 7050sqm and to increase the number of car parks by 48, from 254 to 302.

Retail spaces in the mall will be cut from 11 to six, while more landscaping will be undertaken along Ranui Ave and a new 4m by 1.2m sign erected.

Retailer Nathan Smith said his Shoe Box Outlet site would be reduced in the redevelopment but he could understand the thinking behind the changes. ‘‘It is not ideal but you roll with the punches and at the end of the day we have been offered a spot.’’ Smith said he could understand Foodstuffs’ thinking since there had been empty stores in the mall for some time.

‘‘We got out of our old store at the mall, which is now the vaccine store, three years ago and there was no tenant in there.

‘‘It would be nice in the current environment if they had been more encouraging to retain retail.

‘‘They have decided the clothing store will not be part of the development. That is Foodstuffs’ call.’’

His shop will be reduced from 140sqm to 100sqm.

Women’s clothing store Caroline Eve has not been given space which has disappointed the company’s managing director, Deborah Mundy.

‘‘The Caroline Eve management and store teams are incredibly disappointed not to retain a space in the Northtown redevelopment,’’ she said.

‘‘We are committed to Timaru with our existing store in Stafford St, which will have increased stock levels and team members to accommodate our loyal Timaru customers.

‘‘We look forward to welcoming the Northtown customers there in February 2022. We are committed to keeping all permanent team members employed.’’

Other tenants were reluctant to speak when contacted, with one stating they had been advised by Foodstuffs not to speak to media.

Foodstuffs NZ corporate affairs manager Emma Wooster said they were proud to provide a great retail space for Timaru. ‘‘We are always looking for ways to make sure we meet the ever-changing needs of the community.

‘‘Customers have been asking for more parking, so we have proposed 48 new car parks and have been working closely with the Timaru District Council on the consents for these.

‘‘All going to plan, construction will begin in the first half of 2022 and we are looking forward to providing the convenience of more car parks for Timaru shoppers,’’ Wooster said.