Stark Property purchased the Waikato Regional Council’s old Grey Street building and riverbank sheds three years ago, following the construction of the council’s new headquarters. Made, a brand-new mixed-use retail and business complex in Hamilton East, is now housed there.
Developer Matt Stark is aware of the Hamilton jokes that people tell.
“‘Oh, you’re from Hamilton?’ they ask. Because I think our city is fairly fantastic, I actually laugh when people remark that I love Hamilton. It simply hasn’t been found yet.”
Made offers a plethora of Waikato to discover. Fruney provides modern pastries and superb chocolates from Hamilton; Bare is a bulk bin and refillery from Raglan; and Pirongia Mountain Vegetables carries local fruit and vegetables that are allegedly cheaper than the supermarket.
Although Stark acknowledged that the economic climate in 2023 had not been ideal for starting a new business, he believed Hamilton was prepared for the urban market, where regional producers sell to regional customers.
“People still seek for culinary entertainment. People really want to purchase locally now that COVID is over, and this market seems to provide that.”
Owner of Little ‘Lato gelato Hannah Engelsman relocated to Hamilton from Auckland and set up shop in the Made market. She stated they had abandoned plans for a second store because they thought it would be too dangerous. However, Made’s store has been a success.
“We thought it might be busy, but it’s just blown us away.”
She claimed that her current issues were good ones, including producing enough gelato and finding additional freezer space and workers.
