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.
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.
Bounded by Pound Road and Waterloo Roads at the western edge of Christchurch, the location is everything. Easy access to road, rail and air travel and over 2000 workers across a diverse range of businesses within the surrounding Waterloo Business Park. Continued future growth with foot and local traffic will increase.
"It's much easier for our customers to come and visit the store." — Gnomes
Availability
space to suit your business
The Cooperage — 101–152m²
The Preserver — 26–178m²
FEATURES
On-site parking
[Feature 2 — TBC]
[Feature 3 — TBC]
[Feature 4 — TBC]
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. Soon after, anchor tenant Gnomes The Ski Store secured three of the nine available tenancies, opening its doors in April 2026.
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
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
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.
The Works provides a range of space sizes for a variety of businesses.
The Cooperage building is now ready for occupation, and more spaces are in the process of being developed in adjoining buildings.
Potential tenants could take one space, the entire area, or something in between.
Enquire Now
Michaela Cody
Leasing and Business Development Manager - Southpark Corporation Limited
+64 22 413 3544
michaela.cody@southparkcorp.co.nz