Did you know there was a barn in our coastal retail space ? This is the arcade running between Beresford St and 121 Seaview Mall and a worthwhile place to explore.
The BARN is one of the flames of revival occurring at the western end of the New Brighton Mall.
Unit 7 Proprietor Jackie Henry of ‘Belish Boutique’ is one of the new breeds of retailer recognising while location is important, having a social media sales presence offers wider marketing opportunities.
Her business within the BARN comprises a mix of stylish, colourful and inventive products ranging from furniture, lighting to cushions and fragrances (see below) much of which she makes herself, and her next focus is to include a workspace on the opposite side of the BARN Arcade where shoppers can see her in action.
The BARN has a variety of other retailers including hairdressing, the longest existing continuous trader in New Brighton in ‘Happy Feet’, a second bookshop, the ‘Peacock Dreaming Studio’ (massage) and Leasa Heart & Soul (spiritual and wellbeing).
The arcade is part of a surprisingly busy Shaw Av and Union St connection with Seaview Rd, with the quiet entry of new businesses into empty spaces continuing the evolution in tune with retail demand.
New Brighton commercial sector is never again going to be a centre-point of big named stores like Woolworths (see old photo below) but a destination for a variety of quirky stores offering a tasty unique selection of arty and creative products along with plans for more cafes and restaurants along the revamped Oram extension and on the Marine Pde foreshore.
High on the list of themes will be well-being with hairdressers, health supplements, massage, fitness, art galleries and the list is endless.
Believe it or not there are businesses trying to lease in New Brighton but some finding it a challenge due to a couple of recalcitrant landowners making things difficult.
There have been a turnover of retailers coming and going but that process is not unexpected or unusual, and those carving out a niche now will surely survive when market conditions improve along with the City Council’s Long Term Plan delivery.
In a few years the river end of the commercial precinct will be the gateway to the seaside suburb as the Avon-Otakaro river corridor proceeds, and roads and bridges into New Brighton replaced and upgraded, and the Beresford (to be announced soon) and Seaview housing developments move forward.
The BARN is an example of not having to rebuild a whole Mall but creating lively attractive spaces within the current footprint.
