New Zealand’s Westfield Newmarket is on track to be completed before Christmas, as Scentre Group today announced construction of its $790 million flagship living centre redevelopment will conclude on Thursday 21 November.

The final stage will deliver more premium fashion, beauty, lifestyle, dining and food experiences to the community. Headlining the opening is Auckland’s first David Jones with newly announced MECCA, Maje, Sandro, Country Road, Witchery, Trenery, Veronika Maine and menswear label Politix, to name a few.

This follows the opening of  ‘Rooftop on Broadway’ on the 10 October which opened to the excited local community and included the launch of arcade and gaming bar; Archie Bros Cirque Electriq. The first stage opened a few months ago received an overwhelming response from the trade area as many of the 40 stores were firsts for New Zealand.

The evolution of Westfield Newmarket has seen the centre transform into a world-class living centre spanning five levels with an airbridge connecting the two ends of the centre. It now includes a rooftop dining and entertainment precinct, a fresh food marketplace, casual dining eatery, a tourism lounge, a first-to-market hands-free shopping service and a multi-level car park featuring valet.

The centre’s food offering is set to evolve with the arrival of a gourmet market on Level 3 heralding the welcome return of Countdown Supermarket. Bringing to life the atmosphere, sounds and sights of a fresh food market, it will offer a diverse range of New Zealand’s best produce as well as local operators; Tai Ping, Bird on a Wire, Master Bao, Canto Canto, Classic Bakehouse, Gong Cha, St Pierre’s Sushi, Bowl and Arrow, Red Rabbit Coffee Co. and more. Also opening across level 3 is Flight Centre, Specsavers, Shaver Shop, Cinderella Beauty, The Beauty and Brow Parlour, Laser Clinics New Zealand, Phone Zone and more.

Adding to the living centre experience, 21 November marks the unveiling of a Scentre Group first – a dedicated tourism lounge catering to both international and domestic travellers.

Curated as a space to lounge and relax during transit, the Westfield Newmarket Tourism Lounge presented by Alipay will allow customers to store their belongings in a secure place whilst they explore Westfield Newmarket and its surrounds. Translator services will also be offered to customers within the lounge.

Scentre Group Director Leasing and Retail Solutions and Development NZ, John Papagiannis said the final stage of the redevelopment would solidify Westfield Newmarket as a new benchmark for retail in New Zealand, making it a must-visit attraction for locals and international visitors. “In just three weeks’ time, the redevelopment of our $790 million world-class living centre will be complete. We’ve consistently said that what we’re aiming to deliver at Westfield Newmarket will set a new benchmark in retail; a true experience destination for locals and visitors alike.

“On 21 November we will make good on this promise with the arrival of Auckland’s first David Jones, Countdown, our fresh food market place and a new-concept Tourism Lounge presented by Alipay. Whilst the project is complete, there are still lots of exciting retailer openings to come, including new luxury brands mid next year”, Papagiannis said.

More retailers are set to open in the coming weeks and months which include New Zealand’s first Lego Certified Store opening this week on 31 October, H&M on 12 December, and Event Cinema featuring Gold Class and Vmax, as well as a COS and several luxury brands to follow in 2020.