The Otago Daily Times visited the site yesterday and had a tour of the new $165 million development. The demolition of an entire block bordered by Dee, Tay, Kelvin and Esk Sts was required to construct the new centre comprising retail, food outlets and offices.
Marketing manager Rebecca Sheppard said despite the site still looking like a construction site, a couple of hundred workers were working hard to guarantee opening this week.
"We are so close to opening on Thursday. The team is working full steam ahead and we are looking forward to seeing the public coming in."
The first stage of opening comprises 11,570sqm of a newly constructed area for stores, atriums, and amenities, plus three acres of covered car parking, offering space for over 300 cars.
Anchor tenant Farmers, and stores such as Glassons, Pascoes The Jewellers, 2degrees, Merchant 1948, Michael Hill, Pagani, Mister Minit, Mobile King and Amazon will all open their doors this week.
Cotton On Mega, EB Games, Just Cuts and The Coffee Club will open next month, she said.
Invercargill Central Ltd chairman Scott O'Donnell said stage one of the opening was a huge milestone for the city.
"This is truly an exciting asset to bring into the region and being able to include such a range of high-quality retailers is something we can’t wait to share with our community and visitors to the city."
Stage one opens officially tomorrow at 9am.
