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Completed in three stages, this project comprises 47 retail tenancies, a childcare centre, five restaurant tenancies, four office tenancies and four levels of parking. An integrated, nine-storey commercial office building is located on a prominent corner adding nine stories of prime commercial space and creating a new landmark on the skyline.

The project was born out of a desire to create a place for the people of Invercargill to connect and to revive an existing city block which had suffered from retail flight and reduced footfall. The motivation for the project was to provide a community hub which represented a new retail model with an emphasis on user enjoyment. What has resulted is a redeveloped Invercargill Central retail centre that is embedded in local context, speaks to the history of the site and welcomes people to return.

Planners had to carefully consider heritage protection, consulting Heritage New Zealand to identify the most efficient way to inform the scale and rhythm of new builds to sit respectfully alongside heritage facades. Due to the scale and complexity of the design, unprecedented in Invercargill, a high degree of rigour was required to align decisions with design aspirations. The project team navigated through a complex, detailed and challenging resource consent process to achieve New Zealand’s first entire-block redevelopment.

The Amalgamated Builders Limited construction team has already taken home multiple awards for their work from the Commercial Project Awards late last month, with today’s win citing the exceptional craftsmanship from the firm.

“Invercargill Central stands as a testament to innovative design and deliberate development,” says Leonie Freeman, Property Council New Zealand chief executive. “This precinct breathes life back into the heart of New Zealand’s most southern city, providing locals with a community hub with public social spaces to enjoy for years to come.”

There has been a notable impact on pedestrian experience and community integration since the final stage of the centre opened to the public in early 2023.

Throughout the development, thoughtful design elements add character, with details inspired by the climate and surroundings of Invercargill. Tactile vertical Kaynemaile and colour changing LED lighting inspired by the Aurora Australis, a natural phenomenon visible in Invercargill. Kaynemaile is also featured internally, forming a profiled ceiling feature artwork inspired by the Southern Alps.

The development prioritises energy efficiency and sustainability, particularly evident in the comprehensive lighting and ventilation systems. Smart sensors operate high-efficiency LED lighting in both FOH and BOH areas, and ventilation systems leverage natural airflow when possible. Across the build, technical integrated approaches demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency.

Andrew Evans, Property Industry Awards chief judge says, “Invercargill Central has been a high-level operation from start to finish, and it is clear from the big picture details right down to the small-scale elements. The team involved applied years of experience to execute a successfully curated retail hub desperately needed to revive the city.”