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A new $165m shopping centre emerged in Invercargill’s inner city that, before that, had become very tired.

Just acquiring all the required buildings in the block between Esk St and Tay St in itself was a feat.

Then there was the small matter of pulling together the funds to make it happen. Businessman Scott O’Donnell was a key driver, while the Invercargill City Council came on board as an investor after some, at times, testy public debate.

On July 14, 2022, the new Invercargill Central shopping centre welcomed its first customers.

The first stage of opening comprised of 11,570m2 of new constructed area for stores, atriums, and amenities, plus three acres of covered car parking, offering space at that time for over 300 cars.

The centre was opened to the public just 21 months after vertical construction began in October 2020, and 29 months from when demolition started in early 2020 at the old Cambridge Arcade.

It was a significant accomplishment considering the project team had to overcome Covid restrictions and lockdown hurdles, as well as overseas shipping and resource issues.

The then Invercargill Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt was handed the honour on July 14, 2022, when he officially opened the city’s largest inner-city developments since… well… as long as most can remember.

On Saturday, Invercargill Central will celebrate three years since the first customers walked through the door.

To mark the occasion Invercargill Central is preparing for a massive day.

It will include giving away thousands of dollars in spot prizes, while local musician Liv Cochrane will be on hand to entertain from 11am to 2pm.

Catch you at Invercargill Central on Saturday.