Remarkables Park Director Alastair Porter (right) discusses future development plans with Otago MP Jacqui Dean and National Party Leader John Key.

Media Release
26 March, 2007

POLITICIANS IMPRESSED WITH REMARKABLES PARK DEVELOPMENT

National Party leader John Key and Otago MP Jacqui Dean were visibly impressed by Queenstown’s growth and development following a recent visit to the Remarkables Park Town Centre.

The duo spent some time at the Centre recently to familiarise themselves with the existing and future development of the 150 ha Remarkables Park Zone and to meet developers Alastair and John Porter.

While it was Mr Key’s first visit to the Centre, a visit he enjoyed very much, Ms Dean is well acquainted with the development which she sees as exciting and visionary.

“Remarkables Park is obviously a well thought out development for the Queenstown district. The developers have taken a comprehensive look at what the residents of this area need in terms of services and products and have set about catering for their needs. The extensive easy access parking is a bonus,” she said.

Directors Alastair and John Porter have developed the Town Centre to provide the district with a second CBD.

“In doing so, we have sought to complement the existing business in Queenstown’s downtown centre by providing larger national stores with very competitive pricing. Our expansion has been staged so as to not unduly impact on Queenstown’s downtown area” said Alastair Porter.

“The Centre now has critical mass and attracted more than 2 million people in 2006. This is currently growing at around 14% and we expect this to continue with our focus now on providing more medium and smaller shops, anchored by the larger stores.”

Mr Porter said he the sheer scale of Remarkables Park and its strategic location at the town’s future geographic centre, further underwrites its future success.

The Centre’s national retailers include New World, The Warehouse, Noel Leeming, Smiths City, Mitre 10, Dick Smith, Hannahs, Video Ezy and the Flight Centre. Also represented are H&J Smith Department Store, a pharmacy, health store, a family hair salon, clothing and sports stores, and a restaurant and a café. A new branch of ASB Bank is scheduled to open in April 2007.

Alastair Porter said the company will have more retail, food and beverage and professional office space coming on stream every year for at least the next three years to meet local and regional demand.

“Work will soon start on two new large buildings that will include a fashion and lifestyle precinct opposite Hannahs and more convenience retail stores opposite New World.

“All development continues to reflect the company’s commitment to attractive design in a stunning outdoor setting. The Centre’s unforgettable name comes from the adjacent Remarkables Mountains.” he said.

ENDS