Manawa Bay, a new premium fashion outlet centre, is under development at Auckland Airport’s precinct.
Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL), the owner and operator of Auckland Airport, announced the project in August 2021, aiming to establish a landmark retail and dining hub with convenient transport links. A first-of-its-kind centre in New Zealand, it will offer a novel shopping experience for locals and travellers.
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With an investment exceeding NZ$200m ($138.4m), the project is set to boost the airport’s commercial value. Construction began in March 2022, with completion targeted for late 2024. The construction phase will create 500 to 600 jobs, while approximately 1,100 retail and hospitality roles will be available upon completion.
Auckland Airport fashion outlet centre location
Situated on Auckland Airport’s northeastern side, the centre will be accessible via a main arterial route with public transport options and parking at the former Aviation Golf Club’s southern end. Located at Ray Emery Drive near Mangere, a residential suburb of Auckland, 21km from Auckland city centre, the site is well-connected by bus, shuttle, and taxi, making it attractive to outlet shopping brands.
Features of the shopping centre
Spanning 23,000m² (247,570ft²) of net lettable space, Manawa Bay will host more than 100 stores, including fashion, footwear, accessories, and food and beverage (F&B) outlets.
It will feature a mix of local and international brands, with retail spaces ranging from 50m² to 1,500m². Notable tenants include Kate Spade, Coach, PUMA, Fila, Under Armour, and Flo & Frankie.
The dining area will offer a water-facing ambience with open, light-filled spaces and a figure-of-eight layout reflecting the theme of flight. Central F&B areas will lead to alfresco dining and play areas with views of mangroves. The centre will accommodate 1,400 cars, along with utility services.
Auckland Airport fashion outlet centre design details
The centre’s design will adhere to sustainable principles, targeting a Green Star rating. It will feature a modern aesthetic with seamless indoor-outdoor connections and an expansive outdoor seating area overlooking a park and Manukau Harbour inlet.
Infrastructure upgrades
Auckland Airport has invested NZ$160m ($110.7m) in the past two years to enhance the road network around the precinct, facilitating smoother vehicle access to terminals.
Commercial and retail development at Auckland Airport
Auckland Airport, the third busiest in Australasia, has developed more than 500,000m² of property within its precinct, valued at more than NZ$2.7bn ($1.69bn). The portfolio includes offices, a business park, hotels, warehouses, leisure, and recreation facilities, plus a retail and F&B portfolio with 120+ stores across its terminals.
Auckland Airport’s sustainability goals
Manawa Bay aims to become the premier retail destination in New Zealand to secure a five-star Green Star rating, underscoring its dedication to eco-friendly practices and the integration of renewable energy throughout its premises.
In pursuit of its environmental goals, Manawa Bay is focused on enhancing energy efficiency, promoting superior indoor air quality, minimising waste, curtailing emissions, advancing water conservation efforts, and utilising more eco-conscious construction materials. Additionally, the centre has set an ambitious objective to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Touted to host New Zealand’s most expansive rooftop solar installation, Manawa Bay’s 35,000m² facility will be crowned with a 2.3MW solar panel setup. The impressive solar array is projected to generate more than 80% of the electricity required for the centre’s operations.
Manawa Bay is claimed to be committed to resource efficiency, environmental betterment, and fostering the health and prosperity of the surrounding communities.
Contractors involved
Savory Construction leads the build, with TRCB Architects overseeing the design of the Manawa Bay, ensuring a focus on sustainable and aesthetic finishing touches.
