A major expansion at Pāpāmoa Plaza is taking shape, with a new large-format retail building set to strengthen the shopping centre’s role in the growing coastal community.

The development under construction will add about 4000sq m of retail space and house five new tenancies, bringing more national brands to the area.

Centre manager Leah Sutton said the project had been a long time coming.

“This is a new large format retail building at Pāpāmoa Plaza, designed to bring in additional national brands and strengthen the overall offer.

“As the town centre and heart of Pāpāmoa, it’s important we continue to evolve, and this is a key part of that.”

The new expansion at Pāpāmoa Plaza centre will add 4000sq m of retail space and house five new tenancies. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Construction began last year and was on track for completion in mid-2026, with Sutton noting the visible progress has ramped up quickly in recent months.

“The site has always been earmarked for expansion, and Pāpāmoa’s growth has now reached a point where it makes sense to deliver it.”

The standalone nature of the build had meant there had been no disruption to shoppers or existing businesses, Sutton said.

Pāpāmoa Plaza centre manager Leah Sutton on site at the new expansion. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

“This is a large format retail development, focused on national brands. It’s not a dining or mixed-use precinct, but rather an extension that supports convenience, variety, and destination retail.”

Confirmed tenants included Bed Bath & Beyond and Petstock, with other retailers expected to be announced soon.

“We have additional tenancies in advanced stages and close to announcement and one tenancy under negotiation.”

Sutton said the goal had been to attract well-known brands that complement the centre’s existing offering.

The expansion was expected to deliver clear benefits for the local community, particularly as Pāpāmoa continued to grow rapidly, Sutton said.

“This development brings more choice to the community, strengthens the local retail offering, and reduces the need for residents to travel outside of Pāpāmoa for key brands.”

A time lapse camera has filmed the view of the new expansion from the top of Pāpāmoa Plaza. Photo / Supplied

More than 100 additional car parks would be added as part of the project, improving accessibility while maintaining the open feel of the centre.

“It’s still very open and accessible. We get comments all the time about how bright and airy the current plaza is. So that’s not changing.”

Sustainability was factored into the design too, Sutton said, with solar panels to be installed on the roof to support the centre’s energy use.

The development was expected to create new jobs once stores open, although final numbers would be determined by individual retailers.

Sutton said the expansion reflects a broader vision for the future of Pāpāmoa Plaza.

“It’s a natural next step. It strengthens the plaza’s position as the town centre and heart of Pāpāmoa and supports the long-term vision of continuing to grow a strong, relevant retail offering for the community.”

Sutton while the development was a significant milestone for the plaza, it may not be the last.

“I would say never say never. There’s still a lot of space there. We’re always just looking at how we can better improve the centre.”