Raumati Beach, over a 90 year period, has grown slowly through a series of incarnations. First it was a farming block then a collection of holiday baches, then a permanent residential subdivision, then very rapidly in the last 20 years - but especially so in the last 10 years - to a large, mature community.

The growth has paralleled that of the Kapiti Coast, which has consistently led the country's population growth rates per annum per capita.

This growth continues as more and more Wellingtonians choose the commuting option or simply relocate their high tech businesses onto the Kapiti Coast.

The first purpose-built shops at Raumati Beach started off as a general store on the corner of Rosetta and Raumati Road, with accommodation at the rear.

The original store has now been renovated into The Garden Deli and Cafe and its structure largely remains.

There was a long period over which a number of additions were made to the shopping at Raumati Beach as the demand grew, along with a branch of the ANZ bank down Margaret Road. This was mainly done under the direction of the Kerr and Tewards families.

The growth and potential was recognised early by the location of Kapiti College, Raumati Beach School, the marine gardens and the shopping centre all adjacent to each other.

The shopping centre has reflected this growth.

From a single general store 80 odd years ago to the current thriving commercial community of 50 odd businesses made up of retail shops, professional offices, medical and dental and others.

This is recognised by developers who have proposed a major retail development, which will make Raumati Beach the largest integrated strip shopping centre on the coast.

As the principals passed away the Raumati Shopping Centre was owned and managed by a trust, which put the centre up for sale in 1989.

At the time Keran and Lesley Unk a were looking for a long-term investment on the Kapiti Coast, so KL Investments Ltd bought the Raumati Shopping Centre in 1990.

The shops were designed adhoc and they didn't flow together or have great street appeal.

Keran upgraded the existing shops on the west side in 1993, cladding them with a cedar finish, giving them uniformity and fresh, new appealing look.

He then progressed to build another complex of shops and offices across the road due to the high demand of the growing area.

Considered management has attracted a high quality mix of convenience retailers and specialty boutique shops.

As the Kapiti Coast is rapidly developing to a popular destination, this growth and demand will soon see Raumati Beach Village Shops under going another revamp - this time under the new ownership of Raumati Property Holdings.

The Unka's sold the shopping centre to this group of investors who along with the existing retailers are very excited about the multi-million dollar addition to the shopping complex.

The new owners liked the work the Unka's had done to the shopping complex and requested they stay on to complete the future developments in the same way.

One of the unique features of this three storey complex is, that, because of the lay of the land in Margaret Road and Rosetta Road, both sets of retail shops will be on ground floor levels.

One level can be entered from Margaret Road and the other level can be accessed from Rosetta Road, which will also be at ground level.

This three-storey complex will see anther 15 retail shops built, two boutique type movie theaters, where a meal and drinks can be enjoyed while watching a movie and the top storey as office buildings and apartments.

Keran said there should be minimal inconvenience and no interruption to shoppers and shop owners while alterations take place, due to the way they intend to undergo their construction.

Given the level of interest in the development he expects the shopping to in fact increase.

About 50 per cent of new retail businesses have already been spoken for, leaving room for more interested parties.

If you would like to talk to Keran or Ellena about the development he can be contacted on (04) 2995556 or to find out more about the leasing opportunities please click here.