December 18th, 2024
Major construction is now underway at Auckland Airport's £200-million-plus premium outlet centre, Mānawa Bay. The project, scheduled to open in late 2024, promises to offer a unique shopping and dining experience for Aucklanders and visitors alike, according to a media release.
Savory Construction has been appointed as the lead contractor, responsible for delivering the building, car park, and surrounding landscaping. The construction phase will support 500 to 600 jobs, with an estimated 1,100 retail and hospitality positions created once the centre is fully operational.
Mānawa Bay from Manawa Bay on Vimeo.
Auckland Airport's Chief Commercial Officer, Mark Thomson, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We're incredibly excited to start building Mānawa Bay and the unique experience it’s going to offer Aucklanders and other visitors to the airport when it opens."
A key aspect of the project is its commitment to sustainability. Mānawa Bay is targeting to become New Zealand's first 5 Green Star retail centre, incorporating initiatives throughout the construction process to optimise resources, reduce carbon emissions, enhance the environment, and support local communities.
As part of this commitment, Auckland Airport recently announced plans to support what is expected to be the largest rooftop solar system in New Zealand atop the 35,000m2 building. The 2.3-megawatt solar array is projected to provide over 80% of the 100-store centre's anticipated power usage. Thomson noted that these developments represent important steps towards Auckland Airport's 2030 net zero carbon goal, as the company actively tackles climate change.
Mānawa Bay from Manawa Bay on Vimeo.
Mānawa Bay will be a purpose-built outlet shopping destination, bringing together fashion, athleisure, lifestyle, and homeware brands under one roof, with attractive discounts for shoppers. The design, led by TRCB Architects, emphasises large, light-filled open spaces in the dining area, with an easy-to-navigate figure-of-eight layout reflecting the concept of flight and air.
The centre will make the most of its water-facing location, offering a park-like setting overlooking the mangroves. The central food and beverage area will flow seamlessly to alfresco dining and nature-inspired play spaces.
Thomson described the project's vision: "We’ve listened and gathered feedback from prospective shoppers to inform our designs, and we’re creating a contemporary, welcoming space that our visitors will love. Outlet shopping is all about discovery, and this flyover shows people relaxed, connected, and enjoying their surroundings."
With transport central to the design, Mānawa Bay is conveniently located on a main arterial route, providing access to public transport options. The leasing process for the 100-plus retail and 13 food and beverage tenancies is already gaining positive momentum, with strong interest from both local and international brands.