2 May 2017

SHOPPING CENTRE CLOSURES CAUSE INCREASING CONCERN

The recent closure of the OPSM shop in the Johnsonville Shopping Centre is but the latest in an increasing list of closures that is lifting concern about the future of the centre, says Ohariu MP, Hon Peter Dunne.

“Delays on progressing the long-promised upgrade of the Shopping Centre are causing huge uncertainties for business owners and the public alike, who have been waiting years for the proposed upgrade to occur.

“Many are beginning to doubt it will ever happen,” Mr Dunne says.

Mr Dunne says he was advised earlier this week by Stride Investment Management, the owners of the shopping centre they are currently involved in negotiating with prospective anchor tenants for the new development and that they “hope to be in a position to make further public comment early in the second half of the year.”

“Stride says it understands the keen community interest in the project and wants to be able to ‘give people a clearer picture of the future as soon as possible.’

“I understand Stride’s position, but I also share the mounting local concern about the time it is taking.

“Too often, we have heard that a decision is just around the corner, and local people and businesses can be forgiven for becoming sceptical,” Mr Dunne says.

Mr Dunne says he will be continuing to push Stride for progress and to work alongside concerned local businesses.

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