Million-dollar revamp for Richmond Mall

Richmond Mall is entering a stage of total transformation with a multi-million-dollar revamp beginning this month.

The project, labelled Richmond Mall Reimagined by property owners Tinline Property, began construction this month on Stage One which will see the reconfiguration of the former Fresh Choice store.

Expected to open in mid-2025, the first stage will see a mix of new and existing retailers.

Nelson-based Tinline Property has owned the Richmond Mall for more than 30 years and chief executive Jamie Gaskell says the project is a testament to the family-owned company’s ongoing commitment to investing in Nelson Tasman.

“Richmond Mall is an important destination for Nelson Tasman, especially as the Tasman region continues to have one of the highest rates of population growth in the country,” Jamie says.

“We’re proud of the way the mall has evolved over time with the needs of the region, our tenants and their customers, and it is time for the mall to evolve again into a truly regional shopping destination.”

Its stewardship has included the establishment of ‘anchor’ stores PAK’nSAVE, which opened 1996, Farmers, in 2002, and Fresh Choice Richmond, which closed earlier this year, as well as its expansion of the mall’s retail and carpark footprint in the 2000s.

Jamie says, following stage one the next larger stage of the project will commence. This will involve more fashion and lifestyle stores along with a new food court and evening dining options.

“We’re still working through final plans, which we will be able to share publicly in the new year,” Jamie says.

Richmond Mall centre manager Belinda de Clercq says there will be minimal disruption to customers during Stage 1 work.

“Most of the work will be happening behind-the-scenes, with builders accessing the construction space via the loading dock. There may be occasional periods of extra noise – but we will work hard to keep this to a minimum.

“The mall remains open during this stage of development, and we appreciate everyone’s support and patience in advance.”