Auckland Airport’s $200 million premium outlet shopping complex reaches a new milestone as it unveils a premium 100-store fashion, athleisure, and lifestyle precinct.

Earlier this year, Auckland Airport began developing a 150,000m2 site in preparation for the new shopping destination, which also includes contemporary food and dining options.

With the foundation set, the next phase of construction for the retail plaza will begin this spring.

Auckland Airport partnered on the design with TRCB Architects – the company that led the design of the DFO Perth outlet centre at Perth Airport.

TRCB architect Graham Taylor said retail shopping centres have experienced a revival around the world, capturing the attention of customers wanting “authentic, convenient shopping experiences with a multitude of choice.”

“Premium outlet centres are growing as a distinct and popular retail category, particularly at airport locations.

“They’re no longer a place just to buy seconds or last season’s fashion goods at discount prices – they’ve evolved to a much more upmarket and immersive shopping experience.

“A number of international brands now have distinct strategies around outlet locations, recognising they have a broad and captive market to deliver new, contemporary fashion goods and accessories.”

Taylor said the outlet centre’s park-like setting would make it “one of the leading outlet centres in Australasia”, with a food-and-beverage area offering indoor and outdoor seating with large windows maximising water views and bringing in natural light and northern sun.

Inside, the outlet centre will be purposefully pared-back, with polished concrete floors and an overall industrial finish, apart from customer amenities which introduce warm colour, natural tones, and comfortable, tactile textures.

“Recognising authenticity and being comfortable in a setting have become really important to customers,” continued Taylor, “and this is reflected in the design, with a contemporary interior design that has no pretence to it.