CBD store banks on inner-city living

Hamilton’s Centre Place is turning 40 but in the world of ever-evolving shopping habits, the only constant is change.

When the mall opened in 1985, Hamiltonians poured in for traditional retail shopping, browsing the latest fashion with the added novelty of grabbing a bite at the bustling food court.

Some locals even recall the basement once housing a nightclub, the walls all painted purple.

40 years on, Centre Place is still standing but shoppers’ priorities look very different.

No longer just a collection of retailers, the mall has evolved into an experience-driven plaza where entertainment and atmosphere is just as important as the products.

Centre Place Centre Manager Maureen Pearce says the mall has come a long way since the 1980’s.

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Anyone wanting the experience of seeing a show at Hamilton’s new $80 million Waikato Regional Theatre should mark off Saturday, March 28 in their diaries now.

That’s when the Soweto Gospel Choir will perform in the soon-to-open facility.

The choir last performed in Hamilton when they headlined the 2015 then-named Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival, to rave reviews.

The show will not be the first at the theatre - that is still to be announced, along with the opening date, however these are understood to be imminent.

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The $80 million regional theatre is almost ready to raise its curtain but before the first performance begins, Hamilton’s hospo bosses are ready to steal the spotlight.

Five distinct hospitality offerings will open inside the precinct this November, promising everything from a French-inspired bistro and neighbourhood pub to a speakeasy cocktail lounge, a deli, and the rebirth of the city’s most iconic bar, Wonder Horse.

The vision belongs to hospo heavyweights Mat Pedley, Alex Hudson and John Moughan — the trio behind some of Hamilton’s busiest venues, including Reggie’s, Mr Pickles, Everyday Eatery, and Last Place.

Alongside is Jonathan Knapp, who is stepping in as general manager and co-owner of Hamilton Hotel, the anchor venue set to greet every guest as they enter the theatre complex.

“This is the biggest project in Hamilton,” Pedley said, calling the scale simply “awesome.” Hudson agreed, describing it as “pretty exciting,” and both said it was as much about investing in Hamilton’s CBD as it was about hospitality.

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At just 22, Lucy Nicholson has brought a slice of Scotland — and a burst of colour — to Hamilton’s Casabella Lane.

Nicholson, who co-owns new café Scran with her Kiwi husband Raukawa, grew up in her parents’ takeaway shop in Scotland and says she’s been hooked on hospitality ever since.

“I really grew up in there, worked with them a lot and I really love the work. I missed it when I moved over here,” she said.

The couple’s café is already turning heads with its retro vibes, bold colours and a menu that’s both quick and wholesome.

“It was a break from the office and something fast and easy but also having nutritious options,” Nicholson explained.

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