The RIA (Retail Interiors Association) Commercial Bay Retail Precinct presentation was on Wednesday 28th June, hosted by Precinct Properties in their City Room Presentation Suite. 

Great insights into project and the transformation of downtown Auckland was given by Michael Sweetman from Precinct Properties and Mike Hammer from Match Realty. Along with a fabulous view of the development from the 12 floor of PwC Tower, an open question/answer session and pyshical 3D model's to review - the project was really bought to life.

A mix of Commercial, Retail and Hospitality, Commercial Bay will be unlike anything Auckland has ever seen before.

Set to become a home for fashion leaders, Commercial Bay's Three level laneway precinct will deliver a truely international retail experience showcasing a fresh new blend of hand picked fashion and cosmetic brands along with global flagships and designer boutiques. 

H&M have chosen Commercial Bay as the site for their flagship store. H&M is one of the fastest growing international fashion retailers and the choice of Commercial Bay highlights the resurgence of Queen Street as the heart of Auckland retailing.

The Commercial Bay retail precinct is expected to open in October 2018.

This will be an inspiring place to relax, meet and of course work and shop. The rooftop bars and restaurants will provide exciting new hospitality experiences while maximising the stunning views over the Waitemata. Lower Queen Street is also due for a redesign and will become an inviting and activated public space. All of these amenities will involve and engage people, drawing them to the precinct.

It will feature around 100 Retail stores, cafes and restaurants and bars. The city rail link, which is and integral part of the development, will transform access to downtown Auckland and bring downtown to life. 

The PwC towers is scheduled to open in June 2019, completing the project.