Foodstuffs North Island has purchased land and buildings on Te Atatu Road on Te Atatu Peninsula to build a full-service 3000sqm New World store.

The site is currently leased by Woolworths, which plans to close next month. Foodstuffs North Island intends to open its store in the winter of next year.

“It’s a huge undertaking but our team is well-prepared and excited to deliver a modern, full-service supermarket that will provide a quantum leap in grocery retail – offering more choice, greater convenience, and a vastly enhanced shopping experience for Te Atatu residents,” said Lindsay Rowles, Foodstuffs North Island GM of retail and property.

“The existing building is 25 years old and requires significant work. We’re talking a full structural upgrade, reroofing and expanding. It’s going to result in a virtually brand-new store for the community.”

He said Foodstuffs has been wanting to bring more competition to the people of West Auckland for a long time.

“Currently, the only locally owned supermarket option is Pak’nSave Lincoln Road, with the nearest New World stores in Hobsonville and New Lynn, both a 20-minute drive away.”

Earlier this year, Foodstuffs opened a Pak’nSave in Highland Park, East Auckland.