Character Retail + Hospitality Development in the heart of Waterloo Business Park

Gnomes, on their move to The Works

"One of the best business decisions we've ever made"

Historic character. Built for how you work now.

"What attracted us to come here was definitely the character of the buildings. That was the standout." — Gnomes

The Works occupies a collection of heritage buildings at Islington, restored and reworked for modern tenancies. The original architecture gives every space a presence you won't find in a new-build — high ceilings, solid brick, real texture — while the fit-out process is built around what each business actually needs.

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INSPIRING NEW SPACES

for the innovative and industrious

Location

A connected hub

10km to Christchurch Airport
25km from The Port of Lyttelton
14km from the Western CBD fringe.
Easy connection to State Highway 1 (Main South Road).

The site benefits from a great strategic location, and from a great setting at the very edge of the Christchurch urban area, enabling ongoing visual connection to the rural hinterland to the West, on the opposite side of Pound Road.

Located within Christchurch’s premier business park; Waterloo Business Park, The Works retail and hospitality precinct has secured its anchor tenant in iconic Gnomes Ski Shop and is ripe for new business owners to call this prime location home.

Location is everything. Situated on the high-profile intersection of Waterloo Road and Pound Road, this opportunity enjoys outstanding access to Christchurch's road, rail, and air transport links. The thriving Waterloo Business Park is home to over 2,000 workers across a diverse range of businesses, creating an established local customer base. Ongoing development throughout the precinct will continue to drive growth, bringing increased foot traffic, greater business exposure, and long-term value.

"It's much easier for our customers to come and visit the store." — Gnomes

In their words — Gnomes

"Dealing with The Works was a super streamlined process during the fit-out, and we got open on time. Michaela was super helpful for the whole process of moving from Darfield into The Works."

For several years, customers had been asking Gnomes to move to Christchurch. The Works gave them a location with the character they wanted and a fit-out process that got them open on schedule.

Hospitality, Retail & Business Events Space

Be inspired by all the possibilities. Craft your future amongst this stunning industrial framework, artfully repurposed for innovative endeavours, premium brands and bespoke retail spaces, together with exciting hospitality and venue options.

Commercial, Office & Production Space

At The Works there is an emphasis on making, creating and building. That’s why the spaces in the Cooperage and neighbouring buildings are perfect for boutique or craft brands that want the option to manufacture and sell from one truly unique place.

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Availability

space to suit your business

The Cooperage — 101–152m²
The Preserver — 26–178m²
The Admin Building — 50-24m²
2 3 4 Store — 13-169 m²

FEATURES

On-site parking

When development of Waterloo Business Park began, the historic Islington Freezing Works was identified as a landmark worthy of preservation. Its iconic red-brick architecture, distinctive saw-tooth roofline, and rich industrial heritage inspired a vision to breathe new life into the site for a new generation of businesses and visitors.

The first stage of this restoration journey, The Cooperage, was completed in late 2025. Six tenancies remain available within The Cooperage, ranging in size from 101m² to 152m²*, with opportunities to combine selected spaces to create larger premises.

Expressions of interest are also invited for the neighbouring building, The Preserver with tenancy sizes range from 26m² to 178m² and 234 Store which has tenancies from 13m² to 169m².

Thoughtfully restored for contemporary use, these character-filled spaces blend modern functionality with carefully preserved heritage features. Original industrial elements have been incorporated throughout the redevelopment, creating unique environments that celebrate the site's history while supporting the needs of modern retail, hospitality, office and creative businesses.

Whether you're seeking a destination retail space, boutique hospitality venue or distinctive business premises, The Works offers an opportunity to become part of Christchurch's next chapter of urban regeneration.