Moorhouse Ave retail centre takes shape

A new retail precinct is emerging on Moorhouse Ave and Chain Reaction Cycles is one of the first stores to open up there.

Chain Reaction Cycles owner Darryn Giles said business has already been steady since the grand opening of his new concept store earlier this month.

"We've had a lot of people through,'' he said.

Mr Giles said the Moorhouse Ave precinct will be the new retail boon for central Christchurch.

He said: "There's a great diverse of quality retailers in the area.''

Mr Giles said expanding from his original Riccarton store into the central business district wasn't an option.

"There's nothing developed in the central city and I don't believe there will be for some time. It will be very fragmented for some time,'' he said.

"This is the first real new rebuild of retail in Christchurch.''

Mr Giles said he couldn't be happier with the concept store's location.

"If you had of asked me before the earthquakes where I'd want to be, I'm standing in it.''

"And, a lot of people have taken to bicycles as a way to get around which has been great.''