Bunnings goes, space for rent

The former Bunnings Cambridge store

A major retailer which shut up shop in Waipā last week is remaining tight-lipped on what will occupy the two sizeable retail spaces left vacant by its departure.

The collective jobs of more than 50 staff at Bunnings Warehouse’s Cambridge and Te Awamutu stores officially ended last week after a month spent cleaning up the sites in preparation for the Australian-owned chain’s exit from the district.

The doors of the two stores closed to the public in June.

The company owns the buildings at its former Lake St Cambridge and Arawata St Te Awamutu sites, but not the land.

The stores employed 25 and 27 staff respectively.

A spokesperson approached by the News confirmed there were “no updates” on the future of the sites, or what might happen to the buildings.

“Our previous statement is still relevant,” they said.

That previous statement was by Bunnings’ New Zealand director Jacqui Coombes.

“We continue to review options for both of these sites and we’re working closely with the land owners throughout this process,” she told the News.

But, while the company might not be being drawn on what’s next for the sites, that hasn’t stopped conjecture in the two towns about businesses or firms which might move in.

Rumours The Warehouse in Cambridge was looking to shift to the site were quelled by the company.

Meanwhile, The Warehouse has in already signalled it wants to close Te Awamutu’s Warehouse Stationary outlet. It began a consultation process in June which threatens the Noel Leeming Henderson Clearance Centre and Tokoroa store, The Warehouse Whangaparāoa, Johnsonville and Dunedin central stores and Warehouse Stationery Te Awamutu.

It is understood the company is seeking to close the Te Awamutu stationery outlet in October.

More Recent News

O’Regan’s Cambridge connection

Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan stood her ground and may have felt vindicated for it at tonight’s meet the candidates gathering in Cambridge. The audience comprised members of the Cambridge Business Chamber – members of a…

Trio named on water board

The mayors of the seven Waikato councils who are shareholders in a council-controlled water organisation have appointed an establishment board. Waikato Water Ltd’s Shareholder Representative Forum, comprising the mayors of Ōtorohanga, Waipā and Waitomo district…

Asbestos fears allayed

Testing by the operator of a waste recycling facility in Leamington has confirmed there was no asbestos deposited at the site, says Waipa District Council. The confirmation from the operator follows concerns raised last week…

Racing call controversy

Corey Steele is at a crossroads as uncertainty looms following the government’s decision to shut down the greyhound racing industry in New Zealand. The Te Awamutu-based third-generation trainer and Waikato Greyhound Racing vice president trains…