The opening of the new main street redevelopment, Ahi Kōmau – Gemmells on Parade, is just days away.

The long-awaited community courtyard development is set to open in less than a fortnight, in time for the pre-Christmas period.

Ahi Kōmau – Gemmells on Parade will feature a courtyard space and house three businesses focusing on hospitality, retail and training. Three tenants have been secured for the space, Gemmells – Café, Bar and Restaurant owned by Layton and Ange Gemmell, Beauty Antix beauty treatment business owned by Amber Forrest and Jays Nutribox owned by Jay Byun with the redevelopment set to open just before Christmas.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said it is fantastic to have the redevelopment nearing completion. “For more than 10 years, we have had burnt-out buildings taking up prime retail space on our main street. This redevelopment is a chance to showcase our town and is about all our Wairoa businesses.

We acknowledge this has been a massive job with huge hurdles that had to be overcome, including COVID-19 and lockdowns, spiralling price escalations and the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle and other weather events.  

“My goal has simply been to get the doors open, and we are nearly there. There is still work to be completed, and we are seeking additional external funding to allow the final touches to be carried out, but at least in the meantime, we will get the doors open, businesses trading, and our main street revitalised.”

4 December 2023

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