Mitre 10 Pāpāmoa is relocating from its long-standing Gravatt Rd site to a new 10,580-square-metre “mega” store at The Sands development in Pāpāmoa East this spring, opening the door for Chemist Warehouse and CityFitness to take over the existing property, according to property representatives and company officials.
The home improvement retailer, owned by Brian and Loretta Johnstone, has operated at the Gravatt Rd location since 2005. Building consents totalling $12m have been issued for the new facility across two stages, though a Mitre 10 spokesperson declined to divulge the project’s total value due to commercial sensitivity. The current store will close when the new mega store opens in September, with store expansion operations expected to reach completion by October, according to a spokesperson.
Gravatt Road Redevelopment Plans for Chemist Warehouse and CityFitness
Pokaka Properties Limited has confirmed that Chemist Warehouse and CityFitness will occupy the current Mitre 10 site once redevelopment finishes, with both businesses expected to open early next year. Desmond Wai, a spokesperson for the landlord and director of architecture and property consultancy RCG and RCG Realty, stated that the owners bought the site in August 2020. Construction work is scheduled to start later this year.
The existing building footprint spans 3,500 square metres. According to Wai, this space will be divided into a 1,072-square-metre chemist retailer and a 1,478-square-metre gym. Two additional retail tenancies will join the site in late 2027. Stage one of the redevelopment involves internal subdivision, new customer entrances, and facade improvements, while stage two will deliver the final two tenancies.
CityFitness director of marketing and communications Gertrude Tevita confirmed that the 24-hour gym saw strong demand for a Pāpāmoa location. Layout and offerings are currently being finalised, with further details expected closer to opening. Meanwhile, local pharmacy owner Ben Van den Borst welcomed the incoming competition from Chemist Warehouse, stating that consumers and patients will benefit from expanded choices.
Growth Driving Commercial Expansion in Pāpāmoa East
Wai noted that Pāpāmoa stands as one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing communities and a key Bay of Plenty growth corridor. This rapid expansion generates strong demand for quality retail and service offerings. National retailers are increasingly targeting locations with sustained population growth, improving infrastructure, and strong long-term catchment fundamentals, he said.
Pāpāmoa ward councillor Steve Morris argued that the suburb remains underserved relative to its population, but emphasized that the rapid backfilling of departing stores highlights the local market’s underlying strength. Morris added that upcoming residential projects, such as the prospective 8,000-home development at Te Tumu east of Pāpāmoa, will accelerate retail development further.
Did You Know?
Pāpāmoa East’s retail expansion is heavily tied to regional population growth. Major commercial hubs like The Sands and redeveloped suburban sites are designed to capture high-frequency visitations from residents living in fast-growing residential corridors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new Mitre 10 Pāpāmoa store open?
The new mega store at The Sands in Pāpāmoa East is scheduled to open in September, with a grand opening expected in October.
What is replacing the current Mitre 10 site on Gravatt Road?
Chemist Warehouse and CityFitness will take over the Gravatt Road site, with both businesses slated to open early next year following a redevelopment project.
How large will the new Mitre 10 Pāpāmoa facility be?
The new store spans 10,580 square metres.
Who owns the current Gravatt Road property?
The site is owned by Pokaka Properties Limited, with redevelopment managed through RCG and RCG Realty.
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