Jason Smith, managing director of H&J Smith, the new Mega store's owner operator, is staying mum on when the company's newest addition will officially open, but says it will be this year.
During an exclusive tour of the massive building - which will eventually connect to a Pak'n Save supermarket at Shotover Park - Mr Smith said after filing for resource consent with the Queenstown Lakes District Council on November 11, 2011, building finally began on January 5 this year.
''It's really exciting to be able to bring it to Queenstown, obviously, finally, having fought for a long time to find the right [site].
''We're really pleased to be part of what's happening here. The wider demand around Shotover Park is just unreal.
''Queenstown is going through a good growth [period] and we're excited to be part of it.
''We're geared up and ready to go.''
The $20 million project comprises an 8000Sq m development, which includes a retail space of about 3500sq m.
Two entrances are provided from a new road within Shotover Park - one provides access to car parking and, eventually, a Pak'n Save and the Eastern Arterial Rd, ultimately linking motorists to Remarkables Park.
The other entrance is for the expansive ''drive thru'' area.
The main store, featuring offices, staff rooms and training rooms, will include a children's playground connecting to a Columbus cafe with an outdoor courtyard and a direct view over the 900sq m garden centre towards the Remarkables on one side and Coronet Peak on the other.
The internal fitting out is now under way. It includes hanging hundreds of racks contained in 15 shipping containers which arrived into Dunedin from China recently.
Mr Smith said the existing Mitre 10 store, at Remarkables Park, will continue to operate until the new store is ready to open.
The company employs 40 staff at Remarkables Park - up to 80 will be required at the new site, but not all of those positions would be full time, he said.
