Woolworths is set to more than double its footprint at Avonhead Centre in Christchurch as part of a $25m redevelopment of the suburban mall.

The supermarket giant has made a long-term commitment to the centre, with plans for an expanded 3,300 square metre full-service supermarket.

Work is expected to begin in the New Year.

Private local investor Jack Lourie, of Jaxx, bought the centre for an undisclosed sum in late 2024 from the Carter family, 55 years after the late Maurice Carter built it.

Lourie said Woolworths’ commitment was a strong vote of confidence in the future of the shopping centre.

“We’re delighted that Woolworths shares our confidence in the future of the shopping centre,” he said.

“Avonhead is a great mall which draws on a busy high density residential catchment.

“Our firm specialises in commercial refurbishments, and we could see that upgrading the centre would take it to another level to meet the demands of a modern shopping experience.”

The centre, on the corner of Withells Road and Merrin Street, was redeveloped twice during the Carter family’s multigenerational ownership.

It currently has 10 other tenants, including a pharmacy, bookstore and Merrin Street Brewery Bar.

The 3,876 square metre centre sits on 9,954 square metres of land and includes 158 on site car parks.