Raumati Beach was orginally, over 90 years ago, a farming block. This block would eventually giveway to a series of holiday homes and baches. During this time a community started to develop and due to the demand and growing community the first general store was built, the H.A Howell Store, in 1919. This store was located on the corner of Rosetta and Raumati Road (today the Garden Deli Cafe). During the next 70 years or so the shopping area and housing went through a number of developments and extensions, businesses started to settle in the area and a great community with resident populations formed. The shops expanded into strip shops down Margaret and Raumati Road, while the housing became more dense and the growth potiential in this area was seen by the placement of Kapiti College on Margaret Road and the school located on Raumati Road. The Shops went through various ownerships during this period with several small developments with each new owner. Though the shops fitted the holiday home, bach community, a 'centre' for the growing community was lacking.

The Shopping Centre was put up for sale in 1989 by the trust that owned it. At the time Keran Unka and Lesley Unka were looking for a long-term investment on the Kapiti Coast, and purchased the Shopping Centre in 1990.

The shops were designed adhoc and didn't flow together or have great street appeal. So in 1993 the existing shops on the west side were upgraded, by Keran Unka, cladded with a cedar finish was added giving them uniformity and a fresh, appealing look.

Due to the high demand of the growing area Keran Unka progressed to build another complex of shops and offices across the road.

Considered management has attracted a high quality mix of convenience retailers and specialty boutique shops. The Raumati Beach Shopping Village is considered to be a destination area for relaxed shopping in a community atmosphere.

The Village has grown from a small population of holiday homes to a permanent resident population around the Village area of 8,400. This is expected to grow to 10,000 to 11,000 by 2016.

As the Kapiti Coast is rapidly developing into a popular destination (attracting 2.28 million visitors per annum) this growth and demand will soon see Raumati Beach Shopping Village undergo another revamp - This time under the current ownership of Raumati Property Holdings.

The Unka's sold the Shopping Centre to this group of investors who along with the existing retailers are very excited about the multi-million dollar addition to the shopping complex.

One of the unique features of this three storey complex is that because of the lay of the land in Margaret and Rosetta Road, both sets of retail shops will be at ground floor level. I.e. The ground level accessed from Rosetta Road, is the first level on Margaret Road.

This three-storey complex will see the addition of another 15 retail shops, boutique movie theatres, offices and serviced apartments.

If you would like to talk to Keran about the development he can be contacted on (04) 299 5556.

To find out more about leasing opportunities please click here.