At The Base Shopping Centre, you'll enjoy Hamilton's premier retail destination where shopping and strolling come together seamlessly. With over 150 stores, including local boutiques and popular brands, you'll find something for every taste. The lively food court offers a variety of cuisines to satisfy your appetite. Plus, you can catch a movie at the Hoyts cinema or enjoy seasonal events and live music. The centre features beautiful Maori-inspired architecture and is thoughtfully designed for accessibility, making your visit comfortable. Stick around, and you'll uncover even more about the unique experiences that await you here!
Major Highlights
- The Base Shopping Centre features over 150 stores, offering a diverse shopping experience with both local boutiques and international brands.
- An array of dining options is available in the food court, open from 9 am to 7 pm, extending to 9 pm on select days.
- The centre hosts seasonal events, live music, and cultural celebrations, providing entertainment for all ages and enhancing the shopping experience.
- Designed with Maori-inspired architecture, the centre reflects the cultural heritage of the Waikato-Tainui people, creating a unique ambience.
- Conveniently located with excellent accessibility via car and public transport, The Base Shopping Centre is a premier retail destination in Hamilton.
Location and Accessibility
The Base Shopping Centre is conveniently located in Hamilton's bustling northern suburbs, right at the intersection of Te Rapa Road and Wairere Drive.
Its proximity to the Waikato Expressway means you can easily reach it by car, but it's also well-served by public transport. You'll find bus stops nearby, and the train station isn't far, making it simple to visit without a vehicle.
Once you arrive, you'll appreciate the centre's thoughtful accessibility features. Automatic doors greet you at the entrances, and wide aisles with good LED lighting ensure you can navigate comfortably.
Escalators, travelators, and lifts provide seamless access to all levels, while high-contrast signage guides you throughout the space.
If you're driving, dedicated mobility carparks are located near all entrances, making parking hassle-free. The basement carparks are also conveniently situated and serviced by lifts, ensuring easy access.
Plus, if you need assistance, wheelchairs and walking frames are available for loan at the customer service desk. With accessible toilets and parent rooms located in multiple areas, The Base Shopping Centre is designed to accommodate everyone.
Retail and Dining Options
Shopping at The Base Shopping Centre offers an exciting blend of retail and dining options that cater to all tastes and preferences. With over 150 stores, you'll find everything from local boutiques to international brands, making it the largest collection of fashion and major brands in the area.
Whether you're looking for the latest electronics or a good book, this shopping haven has it all, including both standard and outlet stores.
When it comes to dining, you're in for a treat. The food court showcases a variety of local cuisines, ensuring you'll find something to satisfy your cravings. It operates from 9 am to 7 pm Sunday to Wednesday and extends to 9 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays, offering flexibility for your dining needs.
Plus, keep an eye out for seasonal promotions that add even more value to your experience.
The Base isn't just about shopping; it's committed to sustainable practices, ensuring that your shopping choices align with eco-friendly values.
Entertainment and Leisure Activities
At The Base Shopping Centre, entertainment and leisure activities abound, making it the perfect destination for a fun-filled day. You can catch a movie at the Hoyts Flagship Cinema, which features the largest silver screen in the area. If you're in the mood for some excitement, check out the gaming arcades that promise hours of fun for everyone.
The Centre hosts various seasonal events throughout the year, so keep an eye out for live music performances and special celebrations that add a festive touch to your visit. The Taonga Trail is a unique cultural feature that enhances your experience, giving you a taste of local traditions.
Planning a family outing? You'll find plenty of family-friendly activities, with extended hours on Thursdays and Fridays perfect for evening leisure. The food court, open until 9 PM on those days, offers flexible dining options to suit all tastes.
Plus, with consistent weekend hours, it's easy to enjoy a day out with loved ones. Whether you're shopping, dining, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, The Base Shopping Centre has something for everyone.
Unique Design and Architecture
Visitors to The Base Shopping Centre will quickly notice its unique design and architecture, which beautifully reflects the cultural heritage of the Waikato-Tainui people. The exterior features standing seam metal cladding and LED paua light strips, resembling a Maori waka, while vertical natural-oiled cedar battens evoke the native trees along the Waikato River.
Inside, a winding pedestrian street symbolizes the river, complemented by a suspended timber frame that echoes the traditional Maori eel trap, hinaki.
This space isn't just about aesthetics; it's a blend of cultural significance and architectural innovation. The triple-layer ETFE roof, a first in New Zealand, floods the interior with natural light while minimizing solar gain. The building boasts a stack-effect natural ventilation system, ensuring comfort throughout your visit.
Designed by Ignite Architects, the centre employs locally-sourced materials and low-impact stormwater solutions, connecting it to its natural and historical surroundings. Even the intricate tiling patterns reflect the river's flows, creating a cohesive experience.
At the entrance, a pou stands as a symbol of community inclusiveness, welcoming you into this thoughtfully designed space.
Economic Impact on the Community
The economic impact of The Base Shopping Centre on the Hamilton community is significant and multifaceted. This vibrant retail hub has created numerous job opportunities through its diverse range of outlets and services. With over 160 retail stores, it not only provides positions in management, sales, and customer service but also stimulates temporary and permanent employment during its construction and maintenance phases. Ongoing operations and future expansions promise to keep adding job openings in the area.
Moreover, The Base represents a substantial investment of $250 million to $300 million, contributing greatly to local economic growth. Major tenants like Farmers and Mitre 10 Mega enhance consumer spending, attracting a medium to high-end customer base.
The shopping centre also boosts local economic activity by integrating community facilities, including health services and offices, which further enriches residents' quality of life.
The Base's strategic location and accessibility via public transport enhance its appeal, allowing it to serve both local and regional shoppers effectively. As it continues to thrive, The Base Shopping Centre stands as a beacon of economic vitality for Hamilton, paving the way for a prosperous future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Health and Safety Measures at the Base Shopping Centre?
At the shopping centre, you'll notice strict cleanliness protocols and social distancing measures in place. Regular sanitization occurs, and signage encourages maintaining distance, ensuring you feel safe while enjoying your time shopping and exploring.
Are There Any Loyalty Programs or Membership Benefits Available?
Yes, you can enjoy various loyalty rewards and membership perks. Earn points for purchases, gain discounts, and access exclusive offers. Check your rewards status regularly to maximize benefits and enjoy special treats throughout the year!
Can I Find a Lost Item at the Base Shopping Centre?
Imagine a treasure map guiding you to the lost and found. If you've misplaced an item, head to the customer service desk, where item retrieval awaits. They'll help you reclaim your treasure quickly.
Is There Free Wi-Fi Available for Shoppers?
You won't find confirmed Wi-Fi availability at the shopping centre, so you might want to rely on your mobile data. Consider nearby cafes or public spots for added shopping convenience if needed.
Are Pets Allowed Inside the Base Shopping Centre?
Imagine strolling through a bustling market, but you can't bring your furry friend. The pet policy here only allows guide and assistance dogs; there aren't any pet amenities for ordinary pets, ensuring everyone's comfort and safety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Base Shopping Centre isn't just a retail spot; it's a vibrant hub for the Hamilton community. With over 150 shops and dining options, you'll find something for everyone. Did you know that the centre attracts more than 5 million visitors annually? That's a testament to its popularity and the way it brings people together. So, whether you're shopping, dining, or just enjoying the atmosphere, the Base is the place to be!
