A look at the decline of ‘The Village’, the first retail location in Wainuiomata.
Uncertain Future for Wainuiomata’s Village as Redevelopment Looms
The once bustling shops in The Village, Homedale’s historic commercial heart, now sit in varying states of decline and in some cases, outright abandonment, as the area awaits its next chapter.
While it remains unclear what will eventually replace the ageing retail strip, signs of transformation are already visible. The former Empire Tavern, once a local landmark, is giving way to Pākura Place, a modern residential development that is still under construction. As progress inches forward, one thing is certain: The Village is on track to become almost unrecognisable.
Developers and council officials have yet to confirm the final vision for the area, but speculation suggests a future mix of housing and small-scale retail, designed to meet the changing needs of the community.
The slow decline of The Village can be traced back decades to the rise of Queen Street as Wainuiomata’s primary commercial hub. Since then, The Village has seen a steady turnover of businesses, including bakeries, cafes, dairies, butcher shops, pharmacies, real estate offices, and takeaway outlets, many of which served as essential services for Homedale residents.
Despite being overshadowed by newer developments, The Village once played a central role in Wainuiomata’s identity. For longtime locals, its current state marks the end of an era but perhaps also the beginning of something new.
Article written on February 23, 2024. New photos added on March 23, 2024
