Parnell French Markets legacy to continue

A new tenant has assured the legacy of Auckland's French Markets will continue.

After 24 years of ‘bringing France to Parnell’, La Cigale owners Elizabeth and Mike Lind announced late last year that they would not be renewing their lease at 69 St Georges Bay Road.

This meant the closing of their French shop, cafe, and the weekend French Markets that had become an Auckland institution.

However, Masfen Group, the landlord of the property, wanted to protect the legacy of the French Markets and approached JLL New Zealand brokers Harry Fergusson and Liam Matheson to seek a new tenant willing and able to achieve this.

Buono Delicatessens, New Zealand’s newest premier delicatessen chain, has now committed to a new lease at the premises to house its retail store and to continue the weekend markets.

Parnell Business Association general manager Cheryl Adamson believes securing a delicatessen in Parnell as this strategic central location is important for local residents, and shows operators have a healthy appetite for the right space.

“We are thrilled to have a gourmet deli in the heart of Parnell,” says Adamson. “There are no supermarkets in Parnell, and our local demographic really needs a ‘go-to’ retail deli. The fact that Buono will continue the legacy of the much-loved weekend markets is great news as they are seen as an institution in Auckland. It is also a fantastic addition to the growing precinct on St Georges Bay Road.”

Buono Delicatessens has two branches in Auckland with the other in Newmarket. General manager Richard Casey says the Parnell site ticks all the boxes.

“It’s in a very accessible central location with ample car parking, the Parnell demographic is ideal for our target market, the site has a long and successful business history, and it presents a fantastic opportunity to continue what has become an Auckland icon – the weekend markets,” says Casey.

“We will be providing delicatessen, cafe, and retail amenities as our goal is to bring good food to food lovers across Auckland with specialist products, knowledge, sampling, fresh produce, and an environment that people look forward to visiting time and time again.”

Fergusson says the process of securing the new tenant and the continuation of the markets was not exactly a straightforward request.

“Before Masfen approached us we had already been working with Buono to find a suitable premises to commence their gourmet deli business in New Zealand,” says Fergusson.

Masfen Group’s site at 69 & 79 St Georges Bay Rd, known as Parnell Quarter, includes its health precinct (part of its wider Masfen Healthcare property offering), and established operators such as the new Havana Coffee Works, Social Cooking, Elle Maison, Tile Space, and Parnell Workshop, among others.

Parnell Quarter’s curated mix of operators and rare availability of carparking in central Auckland has led the site to become a go-to destination in the heart of Parnell.

“Parnell Quarter presented the perfect opportunity for Buono and provided a great outcome for all parties involved, including the dozens of existing stall holders at the markets and many foodies who attend every weekend.”

Matheson says the transaction highlights the positive direction of the hospitality market.

“Following a period of uncertainty, we’ve seen a surge of interest in hospitality in Auckland akin to before the pandemic,” says Matheson.

“Innovative operators are increasingly seeking opportunities to partner with landlords to bring new and exciting hospitality options to consumers.”