A seriously impressive example of the expansion of retail and hospitality into the ‘burbs, The Tannery is of such quality that the trek to Woolston will be no deterrent. And once you’re there, the free parking might make you wish your visits to this sophisticated one-stop shop were far more frequent.

The Tannery plays host to an ever-growing, yet carefully curated selection of stylish shops and dining options. All bases are covered – there’s everything from fashion to homewares to design to a second-hand book store. There’s even an apothecary and a yoga studio – need we go on? Possibly no need, but we will anyway.

There are flowers and hairdressers, a beautician, a barber, a fabric store, and the home of the Christchurch Guild of Spinners and Weavers. Cafés, bars, a restaurant, and a cinema complete this very full package.

Developed by the Cassels family, The Tannery is a fine example of how suburban shopping developments should be done. It’s boutique, well thought out, and is a remarkable example of a restoration of what could otherwise be a forgettable industrial building.

The immaculate attention to detail, beautiful fixtures and fittings, and a nod to the past create a shopping complex with a welcome air of grandeur and sophistication. There’s nothing else quite like it in Christchurch and quite possibly, New Zealand.