“Imagine Manurewa buzzing with anticipation.” In the heart of it all stands Southmall Manurewa. This isn’t just another shopping center. It’s a landmark with a story that stretches back to the 1960s.
Southmall Manurewa opened its doors in November 1967. This was after plans for an American-style shopping center began in the early 1960s. Manurewa was chosen for its growing population. Its location was near the industrial areas in Wiri.
Hammerson Property & Investment Trust developed it. This company had also developed Auckland’s first mall, LynnMall. Southmall was Auckland’s third major mall. It followed LynnMall and Pakuranga Town Centre.
Farmers and Woolworths were major tenants. Farmers took up a fifth of the retail space. Businessmen inspected the site in 1966. The foundation stone was laid on 18 March 1965. Major construction began in January 1966. The grand opening was a big celebration. It was held on 22 December 1967. The complex had over 100,000 square feet of retail space. Several major retail chains were represented.
Southmall Manurewa became a hub. Black and white images from the 1950s to April 1972 capture the mall’s early days. These images were supplied by the Manurewa Historical Society. Competitions and performances were often held. Beauty pageants and baby competitions were common. Large crowds gathered for jazz and pop-folk performances.
Reg Morgan, a well-known organist, once wowed a crowd here. It was February 24, 1970. The South Auckland Research Centre holds photos of this event. Southmall Manurewa underwent extensive remodeling in 1987. It was redesigned from an open-air center to an enclosed mall.
Today Southmall Manurewa has 49 stores and services. It has three anchor tenants. The total retail floor area is 36,323 square meters. Southmall Manurewa continues to serve the community. It offers shopping and a place to gather. It stands as a testament to Manurewa’s growth. It shows its enduring spirit.