gathered together

THINK BIG may be a political adage from New Zealand's past, but the general concept still thrives today, here in the form of an upscale shopping precinct in the heart of the Waikato.

The Base hails as a new commercial and geographical landmark on the northern approach to Hamilton, and is expected to draw in shoppers from as far afield as the Bay of Plenty and north of the Bombay Hills.

Built on one of the first parcels of land returned to Waikato-Tainui people as part of their Raupatu settlement, The Base land had been earmarked for redevelopment, with Tainui Group making an application to the Hamilton City Council for the area to be re-zoned to commercial service.

Having come up with the retail concept, Tainui Group established a joint venture with The Warehouse Group, and set up The Base Te Rapa to facilitate the development. The rest is now retail history in the making.

The Base is set on 17 hectares of land in plain view of State Highway One. A four-lane carriageway leads into the development where a huge, newly designed The Warehouse store takes prominent position. The retailers alongside read like a who's who of mega shopping convenience Dress-Smart, Briscoes, Rebel Sport, Noel Leeming, Bond and Bond, Whitcoulls, Dick Smith, Shanton, Postie Plus ... and the list goes on.

The development has a forward-looking edge to its design philosophy, set against a backdrop of extensive landscaping, with well designed planting including several 100-year-old trees and architecturally laid-out, hard-landscaped areas.

Spokesperson for The Base, Nathan York, says that the project represents arguably the most significant commercial development seen in Hamilton in the last decade.

"The Warehouse's involvement, particularly Murray Smith, who has overseen the project management of the development, has been tremendous," York says.

Together with the larger bulk retailers, there is a wide variety of specialty-style shops and several eating venues, including an alfresco dining precinct, with many more tenants to come.

"Being adjacent to State Highway One with excellent sight lines is a major advantage for The Base," says York. "Other proven elements include a horseshoe configuration, and over 2000 carparks (when complete) and a holistic approach to landscaping."

The development has grown from being simply a large retail site into a venue that offers a place to meet, relax and socialise. However, with over 60,000m² of retail space proposed, shopping will always be a central part of The Base's big picture.

For details on The Base, contact Tainui Group: Nathan York, phone (07) 834 4880, fax (07) 834 4881. Email: nathan.york@tgh.co.nz

Or contact The Warehouse Group, Murray Smith: phone (09) 489 8900, ext 96252, fax (09) 488 2880. Email: murray.smith@thewarehouse.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas