Full Breakdown
Flaxmere Supermarket Closure Paves Way for Woolworths Redevelopment
6/19/2026, 8:16:40 AM
Flaxmere Supermarket Closure and Redevelopment
Flaxmere Supermarket, a locally leased grocery store in the Flaxmere Village Shopping Centre, announced its closure in July 2024. The building and most adjacent tenancies will be demolished for a redevelopment that includes a new Woolworths, a re-routed central road, and expanded community services.
Background: Prior Supermarket Closure and Community Concerns
The suburb previously lost its New World supermarket, raising anxiety among older residents, people with disabilities, and families without reliable transport. The loss highlighted reliance on a nearby grocery outlet for daily needs.
Key Stakeholders
Key parties are TW Property (chief executive Terry May), Flaxmere Pharmacy (a 30-year-old pharmacy moving into the Woolworths precinct), Hastings District Council, Mayor Wendy Schollum, and Woolworths, which will open the following Thursday.
Timeline
Early 2024: TW Property secured the lease.
July 2024: Flaxmere Supermarket announced closure and signed a termination agreement.
Next Thursday (2024): Woolworths opens, the suburb’s first major retail launch in years.
Post-opening: demolition and road work will begin.
Impact and Future Prospects
The redevelopment promises jobs, better grocery access, and services such as NZ Post and Kiwibank within the Woolworths precinct. Relocating the long-standing pharmacy preserves health services, though demolition will temporarily reduce retail options for residents.
Official Statements
TW Property’s Terry May said the lease termination was mutually agreed and aligns with plans for a new central road. Mayor Schollum thanked the supermarket’s owners for their service during uncertainty and called the Woolworths opening a milestone that will secure long-term grocery access, create jobs, and attract further investment.
Community Concerns
Local advocates recalled the disruption from the earlier New World closure, noting older adults and those without private transport faced difficulty obtaining food. The interim loss of Flaxmere Supermarket raises similar worries, prompting calls for swift completion of the new retail facilities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We tried our best to fit in and learn and become part of the community.” — Terry May, Chief Executive, TW Property
- “I was aware the supermarket planned to close, but the timing was in their court,” — Terry May, Chief Executive, TW Property
- “I want to sincerely thank the owners and staff for their contribution to Flaxmere and wish them every success for the future.” — Wendy Schollum, Mayor, Hastings District Council
- “Schollum said the opening of the new Woolworths next week would be a positive milestone for Flaxmere, bringing “long-term certainty of local supermarket access, new jobs and further investment into the suburb”.” — Wendy Schollum, Mayor, Hastings District Council
What’s Next
Demolition of the former supermarket will start shortly after Woolworths opens, followed by construction of the new central road and the relocated pharmacy. The council will issue regular progress updates.
