Morrison Square to be repaired after buyout

Thursday, 8 May 2025

Most of the retail and commercial tenants in Morrison Square left last year after its owner found issues with its cladding.

A Nelson construction company has bought the Morrison Square complex that had been earmarked for demolition.

Scott Construction announced on Thursday it would repair and modernise the city centre retail, hospitality and office complex after reaching an agreement to buy it from ACC.

In June last year ACC said the square’s 22 tenants would have to move out after the discovery of corroded fixings on the 1980s buildings that it said posed health and safety risks.

It said remediating the issue would require substantial works, or rebuilding.

Most tenants left last year, and some of the buildings’ internal fit-outs had been removed ahead of demolition.

Scott Construction managing director Justin Candish said the company felt there had to be a better way.

“The thought of it being demolished and having a gravel carpark in the middle of town was just horrible,” he said.

“As a locally owned business, we see this project as an opportunity to safeguard part of Nelson’s identity.”

The company, which employs around 130 staff, was committed to repairing and modernising the complex. It would provide for a mix of commercial, retail and hospitality businesses.

Candish said the project would dovetail with council initiatives aimed at revitalising the city centre.

The company expected to take possession of the site in mid-August.

The sale price was not disclosed. ACC bought the complex, originally called Fashion Island, in 2008 for $22.7 million.

Candish said the tenants remaining in the square’s historic buildings would be supported in the transition process.

“Our priority is to work closely with all businesses and the wider community to ensure this transition strengthens - not disrupts - Nelson’s commercial heart.”

A number of the tenants who left the complex have relocated to empty shops in the city centre.

Candish said that the CBD was looking much stronger than it was 12 months ago, as the economy and tourism improved. He believed a redeveloped Morrison Square would contribute to that revival.

The company said it welcomed feedback from the public and interested parties. Ideas, questions, and expressions of interest can be sent to info@scotts.nz.