Shoppers in Stoke are just weeks away from stepping into a brand-new New World, with the supermarket redevelopment now entering its final stages.
The project, which began in January 2025, is nearing the end of Stage two, with customers expected to move into the newly built store space in mid-July, ahead of the final phase of construction.
Owner-operator Brendon Rae says the redevelopment is about delivering a better shopping experience while reinvesting in the community he grew up in.
“Being a Stoke boy and growing up just across the road from the store, I knew how important this development was for the local community,” Brendon says.
“We’re building a brand-new supermarket that’s going to be easier to shop, brighter, more comfortable and much more accessible for our customers.”
Once complete, the supermarket will feature wider, straighter aisles, improved navigation, polished floors, LED lighting, increased natural light, modern upright refrigeration with glass doors, solar panels and improved parking access.
Brendon says the previous store layout and car park had long been a source of frustration for customers.
“The old store had a unique layout, and we knew we could do better. The new store will feel a lot easier to shop, with straighter aisles and a layout that makes more sense for customers.
“We’re also making major improvements to the car park. The main entrance will be nearly twice as wide and we’ll have more parking options, which will make a real difference for our elderly customers.”
The redevelopment will also allow the store to expand its product range and fresh food offering, with upgraded butchery, bakery and service deli departments.
The project has been delivered in three stages.
Stage one, which included building new back-of-house facilities, preparation areas, office space and storage, was completed earlier this year.
Stage two includes construction of about two-thirds of the new retail space.
The final stage will involve demolishing the remaining section of the old store and completing the final extension.
The full project is expected to be completed in early December.
Steven Mitchell, head of property for Foodstuffs South Island, says supporting local businesses and trades has been a key focus throughout the build.
“We’ve backed local trades because that matters to us and it matters to the community. It’s been great seeing so many local businesses involved right through the project,” Steven says.
Local companies involved include Naylor Love’s Nelson team, Tuffnell Plumbing, Aotea Nelson, Schick Nelson, Neltech Communications and Nelson Alarms.
Brendon says he is grateful for the patience and support shown by customers throughout the redevelopment.
“We want to say a huge thank you to our loyal customers and the wider Stoke community for supporting us through this project.
“We really appreciate it and we’re looking forward to welcoming customers into a fantastic new store with a bigger offer, a great new environment and the best customer service in the region.”
