Commercial Bay, Auckland’s most exciting new retail and hospitality precinct, officially opened its doors to the public on Thursday 11 June.
Owner Precinct Properties’ CEO Scott Pritchard; Rt Hon, Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand; Rt Hon, Phil Goff, Mayor of Auckland; Hon Phil Twyford; and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei unveiled the much anticipated $1b development in the heart of the city to a crowd of shoppers eager to have the first look.
Commercial Bay offers more than 120 retailers across fashion, food and beverage, beauty and specialty retail, bringing together the largest concentration of high-quality local and international retailers to the heart of Auckland city.
The transformational mixed-use precinct will also be home to an estimated 10,000 workers once the striking new PwC Tower is completed next month. The future redevelopment of One Queen Street will make Commercial Bay the largest office and retail precinct in the city centre.
Precinct Properties Chief Executive, Scott Pritchard, says Commercial Bay’s opening today is a momentous occasion for both Precinct Properties and New Zealand. “We are immensely proud to open Commercial Bay, an outstanding retail precinct that will redefine Auckland’s centre city and play an integral role in its ongoing revitalisation,” says Pritchard.
“We set out with a clear vision to create a world-class waterfront destination on par with other gateway cities and we are proud to have achieved this, thanks to the commitment of our team and project partners.”
Pritchard says that it is a poignant time for Commercial Bay to be opening, as New Zealand kickstarts its economy after moving to Level One.
“Despite the extraordinary circumstances we are opening under, I am extremely delighted to welcome Aucklanders and visitors to a new and exciting part of the city where they can shop, eat, drink and experience all Commercial Bay has to offer.
“We are incredibly proud to support our local businesses as well as first-to-market retailers as they open after a challenging few months. During this crucial time as New Zealand moves to restart its economy after lockdown, I encourage people to support these retailers and food operators.”
Commercial Bay is also the newest destination for foodies with Harbour Eats, an innovative New York-style food hall with vendors inspired by international gastronomic precincts.
Commercial Bay is open now, with retailers open between 9am and 6pm, and Harbour Eats open from 7am until 10pm. Select restaurants and bars will be open until midnight.
Photography by Anna Kidman
