New Zealand’s biggest shopping destination has unveiled an exciting new retail and dining expansion. The transformation has been two years in the making and opens up 20,000 square metres of additional retail space on level one of Auckland’s Sylvia Park.
Over 50 retailers have been welcomed into the space, along with a huge dining precinct and more car parking, bringing the total to nearly 5,000 free spaces.
With the $277 million renovations beginning in February 2018, the vision was to create a world-class town centre that offers customers exceptional retail, dining, entertainment and workplace experiences, says Sylvia Park Centre Manager, Helen Ronald. “Understanding Kiwis’ love of the outdoors and the need to bring the outside in, the high-vaulted ceilings welcome natural light and ambience in a space that is fresh and vibrant,” Ronald says.
Architectural features like the open-air glass canopy and hanging gardens have elevated and brightened the space, offering stunning sunset views stretching out towards the west.
The new expansion also embraces an artistic sensibility, with renowned Auckland artist Simon Lewis Wards exhibiting two large art installations. Comprising 375 handmade glass jumbo jets, ‘Spilling Jets’ is a joyful burst of colour in the space, while the 300kg ‘Giant Knucklebones’ offer a fun and interactive experience for art lovers of every age.
The Terrace at Sylvia Park is Sylvia Park’s exciting new hospitality destination – an entire floor dedicated to relaxed communal dining. Dotted throughout the relaxed dining area you’ll find an array of flavours from around the world, from a boutique tea house and sushi train to Indian cuisine and Vietnamese street food.
“With calming views through hanging gardens, it creates a relaxing space to catch up with friends and enjoy a cheeky glass of wine after work,” says Ronald.
As for the retail offerings, the impressive line-up of shops is enough to keep you busy. Farmers has made an entrance with the opening of a glossy new department store. Firm favourites like H&M and Mi Piaci nestle alongside Sylvia Park’s newest retailers, including Levi’s, Under Armour, General Pants Co. and Dangerfield. Also on-site are Bendon, Pandora, Redcurrent, Sunglass Hut and San Michelle Bags.
The new retail space also boasts a gorgeous beauty and wellness destination. Enjoy a relaxing facial treatment at Lovely by Skin Institute, pick up luxury skincare at Origani or treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure at Sculpt.
Parents will be happy to hear there is plenty to entertain the kids while you shop, dine and relax, with a fully enclosed jumbo gym where they can burn off some steam. With families in mind, the expansion also features large bathrooms and brand-new parents’ rooms.
Sylvia Park’s level one expansion and new dining precinct heralds an exciting transformation for the shopping destination, says Ronald, with even more in store for 2021. “Just watch this space.”
5 eateries we love at Sylvia Park
- Poke House is a must-try for fresh and flavoursome poke bowls, perfect for a quick lunch on the go.
- Head along to Aroy Thai for authentic Thai street food –their chicken cashew nut stirfry is delicious.
- Get your coffee fix at Filly and be sure to treat yourself to one of their tasty cabinet treats or brunch dishes.
- If you’re more of a tea-lover than a coffee drinker, you have to visit Majestic Tea Bar– a boutique tea house with an impressive selection of specialty brews.
- Xi’an Biang Biang offers tasty hotpots and mouthwatering dumplings that are fresh, fragrant and packed with flavour.
