This month Bayfair Shopping Centre in Tauranga, New Zealand celebrates its 40th anniversary as the community hub that has been a cornerstone of the community for the past four decades.
Since its opening on 8 May, 1985, Bayfair has been more than just a retail destination. It has been a place where the community gathers, shops, dines, and creates memories. From its humble beginnings, it has grown and evolved, welcoming approximately 200 million visitors and continuously improving to meet the needs of the community.
The centre’s longest-standing tenant is Woolworths, which opened alongside 26 other retailers in 1985.
Jason Hirst, Woolworths Bayfair Store Manager, said: “We’re proud to be a part of the Bayfair community, and excited to be celebrating the centre’s 40th birthday with our local customers and team.”
Retailers have built their brand, reputation, and shopper following in Tauranga as successive Bayfair owners have committed to centre developments and improvements. The most recent was a $115 million, four-stage re-development completed in 2020 by the current owner which enhanced existing tenancies, added speciality stores and new food and beverage offerings, and introduced a seven-screen multiplex cinema to cement its status as a destination for people of all ages.
Over the years Bayfair has made a name for itself as a leader in sustainable retail spaces and holds a number of awards in sustainability.
Bayfair Shopping Centre is today owned by Dexus Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund and Fisher Funds. Under Steve Ellingford’s direction as long-time Centre Manager, Bayfair has built a national reputation for progressive sustainability initiatives that set a new standard for large retail format and shared public spaces.
Ellingford says this work is about caring for the Bay of Plenty community and showing other businesses a path to being a responsible corporate citizen.
“Since 2002 we have been at the forefront of our sector for sustainability, and in 2023 we reached another important milestone in becoming the first shopping centre in the country to achieve Green Star certification and a coveted 4-star rating for our performance, signifying best practice. Bayfair was also the first Green Star Performance rating in Tauranga.
“Shopping centres also have a unique platform to be advocates for accessibility and inclusivity, and by connecting with customers and understanding the community’s needs Bayfair has become much more inclusive over the years.
“We have built a quiet room for visitors who are sensitive to sensory overload, provided sign language videos and Braille wayfinding signage for the store directory, and installed mobility scooter charging stations,” said Ellingford.
“We see our 40th birthday milestone as a chance to reflect on where we have come from, look forward to where we are going, and thank our loyal customers and the Bay of Plenty community for their years of support and for giving us the opportunity to keep growing and improving. There are many great things to come,” he said.
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