Queenstown retail centre’s first stage complete
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The first stage of the NZ$130 million Five Mile Retail Centre development at the gateway to Queenstown has opened, after the site’s conversion from an abandoned construction project into a state-of-the-art shopping precinct.
The 14,000sqm site is now home to retailers including Countdown, Briscoes Homeware, Rebel Sport, Warehouse Stationery, Number One Shoes, Supercheap Auto, and ANZ Bank.
The complex will also eventually accommodate 800 carparks (including 250 underground) food operators, offices, serviced apartments and a child care centre.
Australasian design firm The Buchan Group was appointed by Queenstown Gateway Ltd in 2012 to complete architecture, master planning, interior and graphics works for the project, located beside Queenstown Airport.
The site had been home to a 2.4ha hole created from a construction project that was abandoned when the previous developer was placed into receivership in 2008.
The Buchan Group Principal David Thornton said the first stage of the Five Mile Retail Centre had finally created an inviting gateway to Queenstown from the eastern approach through to Frankton.
“Our vision was to design a development befitting the region that reflected the unique characteristics of the stunning surrounding vistas,” he said.
“This meant not only designing a modern retail centre that was appealing to locals and visitors, but also one that was suitably striking for one of the best locations in the Frankton and Shotover region.
“The buildings also frame view shafts to Double Cone, Peninsula Hill, Cecil peak and Walter Peak, ensuring the development highlights these natural assets.”
Questions & Answers
Q.What was the previous state of the site before this development began?
What was the previous state of the site before this development began?
The site was a 2.4-hectare hole left by a construction project abandoned in 2008. The previous developer went into receivership at that time, leaving the site as an abandoned project before its conversion into the retail centre.
Q.Which firm was responsible for the design work of the Five Mile Retail Centre?
Which firm was responsible for the design work of the Five Mile Retail Centre?
Australasian design firm The Buchan Group was appointed by Queenstown Gateway Ltd in 2012. They completed the architecture, master planning, interior, and graphics works for the project at the gateway to Queenstown.
Q.What other facilities will eventually be included in the complex beyond the retail stores?
What other facilities will eventually be included in the complex beyond the retail stores?
The complex will eventually house 800 carparks, including 250 underground, alongside food operators, offices, and serviced apartments. A child care centre is also planned to be part of the completed development.
Q.What was the design vision for the retail centre, according to the principal of The Buchan Group?
What was the design vision for the retail centre, according to the principal of The Buchan Group?
David Thornton stated the vision was to create a modern retail centre appealing to both locals and visitors, befitting the region. It was designed to reflect the unique surrounding vistas and frame views of natural assets like Double Cone and Walter Peak.
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