Media Release
13 June, 2011

Success for Mid City complex

Construction is underway at the old Mid City theatre complex at 239 Queen Street. The building is currently being transformed into 90 retail outlets, one of the biggest multi-tenancy sites in central Auckland.

The development, known as the Queen Street Markets will fill the gap that has been left from the closure of Aotea Square markets and Victoria Park markets. The markets will cover two floors, and be accessible from both Queen Street and Elliot Streets ‘shared space’, part of the city councils $157.8 million open spaces upgrade.

The existing building envelope will be kept intact with the help of Stephen Mitchell Engineers, who have provided a practical solution to dealing with the sloping concrete theatre floors. Total floor space of the markets will be over 4,500 square metres. Completion is set for spring of 2011.

The development will remove all existing partitions and cinema structure to provide two floors of open market space with partitioning for tenancies ranging in size from 13m2 to 100m2, and ranging in price from an entry level of $300+gst to $1500+gst per week, providing an affordable space for retailers. Low risk, flexible term tenancies, starting at 6 months are available.

Retail and food court units within the Queen Street Market are being let through Bayleys Real Estate commercial agent Millie Liang.
“Many of the units have been leased, with the extensive marketing campaign commencing I expect the remaining units to be leased in quick time” Millie said.

She expects most of the 90 retail shops to be occupied by low cost/high volume retailers – such as mobile phone accessories, small scale food outlets, boutique clothing and fashion, computer and IT accessories or gift stalls.

Millie Liang said that in addition to the retail shops, Queen Street Markets would contain an international food hall on the upper level, with 8 of the tenancies fitted for foodservice operators.

“ I believe Quality street-type entertainment, such as buskers and mimes, will be a fixture of the Queen Street Markets, adding to the vibrancy and complimenting shopper’s experience within the CBD retail precinct” Millie added.

Location plays a pivotal role with a high pedestrian count and large residential and commercial occupancy within close proximity, all combining to provide a prime destination market complex for the long term.

CEO of Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Michael Barnett said the Queen Street Markets are a welcome development to the business community.
“It is important to have affordable and flexible retail space available where people can meet and enjoy the diversity that central Auckland has to offer” he said.

In its heyday, the 1980s Mid-City development on Queen Street was proclaimed ‘the rebirth of Auckland’s heart of entertainment’, and was New Zealand’s first flagship cinema multiplex, but has been lying dormant for almost a decade. After a string of unsuccessful attempts to revamp the dormant space, including a city council multi-theatre centre in 2008, and a 5-story apartment complex in 2002, the iconic site will become a bustling market space. Where locals and tourists alike can meet and enjoy the showcase of vibrant market culture and entertainment.

Queen Street Markets will sit upon the current, Mid City arcade - a well known shopping destination comprising of fashion, health, food, consumer products and restaurants.

ends

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