Today, Scentre Group has announced that the first stage of the $790 million flagship living centre Westfield Newmarket will open on 29th August with 40 stores across levels one, two and three.

The unveiling will welcome a new Farmers, Coco-Republic featuring L’Americano café and a mix of New Zealand’s favourite brands including Kathmandu, Rebel Sport and Under Armour as well as a string of new beauty, lifestyle, food and technology retailers. These include Chemist Warehouse, Beauty & Beyond, Bras N Things, Cosmetic Clinic, 2 Degrees, Spark, The Coffee Club, Hulu Cat, Amore Gelato, EB Games and more.

Scentre Group Chief Operating Officer, Greg Miles said this was a major milestone for the redevelopment to date and testament to customer and retailer demand to open this month.

“Over the coming months we’ll deliver Auckland’s first rooftop dining and entertainment precinct, a fresh food marketplace, over 200 stores including the best in international and local fashion, along with a series of premium and first-to-portfolio services designed to elevate the customer experience.” commented Miles.

Mark Knoff-Thomas, Chief Executive of the Newmarket Business Association said “the precinct is looking forward to welcoming all the brands, new and old, at the stage one opening of Westfield Newmarket. This first stage opening will reveal about 40 stores, with more stores opening across both sites in the weeks and months ahead.”

Traffic is expected to be busier than usual, Knoff-Thomas added “From 29th August onwards we know there will be increased pressure on the transport network - our local streets, and motorways. We are very lucky in Newmarket to have a train station that services the south and west, and many bus routes, including the Inner and Outer Link buses that cover the city and central fringe areas. I’d encourage anyone thinking of coming here, especially on weekends to think about taking public transport. In that way you spend a decent amount of time wandering the mall, exploring the streets and laneways, plus enjoy some of our fantastic hospitality.”