Connings Food Market has confirmed plans for a permanent store in central Nelson after finalising an agreement with Nelson City Council for the Achilles Avenue site.
Council agreed in principle in March 2024 to lease the site for the popular Connings pop-up store, with an option for the company to buy 69-101 Achilles Ave and build a permanent food market.
The final details of the agreement were signed this week, marking a significant milestone for the project. The existing store will continue operating while plans for the new development progress.
Concept plans include a café and a significantly expanded produce area, bringing the full Connings Food Market experience to central Nelson for the first time.
Mayor Nick Smith says the development is a major boost for the city centre.
“This new Connings Food Market will help council’s goal of revitalising the central city. They have proved in Appleby and through the trial pop-up store that the public wants local fresh produce.
“I love that this new Connings Food Market will enable us to showcase the region as a centre of excellence for fresh produce and food innovation. The further benefit is providing more choice and competition for consumers for their groceries when there is concern about the duopoly of the two supermarket chains.”
Simon Conning says the family business has been overwhelmed by the level of support shown for the Nelson pop-up store.
“We’re really happy to make a long-term commitment to our customers and to Nelson City. Our farm is only 18 kilometres away from the store, which means we can continue to deliver fresh produce directly to our customers at great value. Being able to do that is important to us as a family.”
The Conning family has grown fresh produce on the Waimea Plains for more than 40 years, with its original Connings Food Market in Appleby. The Nelson store is the family’s second site.
Council chief executive Nigel Philpott says the project demonstrates the council’s commitment to supporting investment in the city centre.
“Council is open for business. We want to work together with our business community to make Nelson vibrant and an easy place to do business. Working alongside businesses like Connings to help make it happen is one example where council is actively working to create an environment where enterprise can thrive here.
“The pop-up on Achilles Avenue has obviously been incredibly popular with Nelsonians, and we’re really pleased to see Connings decide to expand into a permanent store as a result.
“I’m confident this store will be just as popular with our community as the Appleby Food Market has been.”
