Supermarket giant Countdown has revealed plans to redevelop Wainuiomata Shopping Centre, including a new supermarket, refurbished car park and new retail spaces.

The new supermarket, which will cover 3600sqm, will feature an in-store pharmacy and offer electric vehicle charging stations and a larger car park.

According to Countdown, the new store will have wider aisles, an expansive fresh produce department, an in-store bakery, dedicated health food and online shopping.  The existing store will continue trading throughout the redevelopment process.

Countdown made the announcement after it lodged a resource consent application with Hutt City Council to redevelop Wainuiomata Shopping Centre, which included a proposal to build a new supermarket at the heart of the town centre.

“There has been a great deal of anticipation about the future of the Wainuiomata Shopping Centre and we are delighted to now be able to share our vision for the long-term future for Countdown and the rest of the town centre with the wider community,” said Adrian Walker, Countdown’s general manager of property.

“Together with the construction of the retirement village and a new cycleway imminent, we believe this redevelopment will also make a good contribution to the rejuvenation of Wainuiomata,” Walker said.

The proposed redevelopment of the shopping centre will also include a range of tenants.  Other key parts of the consent application include the creation of a centralised connection through the site connecting Queen Street and The Strand.

Construction of the centre is expected to commence at the end of 2019. The new supermarket will take about a year to complete.

“This is fantastic news for Wainuiomata,” said Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace. “The local community has been eagerly awaiting news on the future of the shopping centre complex – what a great early Christmas present this is.”

“It will have a hugely positive impact in our community. It will bring new life, new opportunity and new business to the heart of Wainuiomata.”