About
Contact us

Civic Property Solutions

Unlocking Income and Enriching Spaces: Local councils possess substantial commercial value across their property assets. From retail kiosks and civic cafes to major commercial tenancies and licensing deals, every space delivers potential for recurring revenue, increased amenity value and the broader economic and social benefits of activation. First Retail Group advises local authorities to identify growth, build commercial partnerships, lift performance, and control exposure for consumer-facing spaces. We bring commercial objectivity, market expertise, and disciplined governance to these assets in your civic portfolio.

How We Help

Developing Potential

Evaluating council property uncovers new revenue streams, expands amenity potential, and energises underused spaces. This systematic assessment ensures every asset balances maximising financial returns and benefits for the local community.

Optimising Occupancy Models

Designing tailored tenure and licensing structures helps attract quality commercial operators and reliable occupancy. These customised frameworks balance commercial viability with council objectives to drive long-term activity and community value.

Performance Management

Working directly with commercial tenants strengthens their day-to-day operations, service quality, and performance. Proactively resolving challenges safeguards council rental yields and reduces long-term vacancy risk.

Connect with our Retail Experts

Case Studies

Hutt City Council

Anchor Attractor

Lifting Hospitality Standards: The Dowse Art Museum anchors Hutt City’s cultural precinct, serving as a key destination for local residents and regional visitors. As part of a major facility upgrade, Hutt City Council brought in First Retail Group to establish the best commercial model and lead a market selection process for the museum’s café space.

The Impact: We identified high-calibre operators capable of turning the café into a destination in its own right. The process secured Bellbird Eatery, which has consistently delivered strong commercial performance and remains Lower Hutt's top-rated café.

Whanganui – UNESCO City of design

Elevating the Gallery Experience

Experiential Offer: First Retail Group partnered with the Sergeant Gallery and Whanganui District Council to shape an innovative hospitality offer. As a centrepiece for Whanganui – a region recognised as a UNESCO City of Design – the gallery needed a dining experience that reflected the city's creative reputation and complemented its cultural ambition.

The Impact: The Sarjeant Café has become an integral part of the visitor journey and a destination in its own right. Positioned at the entrance with panoramic northern views out toward Mt Taranaki, the café pairs a dramatic setting with an inventive food and beverage offer – drawing steady patronage from museum-goers, Whanganui locals, and visitors from across the region.

First Retail Group Ltd (FRG)

FRG is an award-winning specialist retail consultancy driving commercial growth across consumer destinations, retail, hospitality, tourism, and healthcare. We integrate performance strategy, risk management, and customer experience design to give organisations a distinct market advantage.

Contact

Based in NZ – Operating Globally.
Head Office L3, 44 Victoria Street, Wellington, 6011, NZ

hello@firstretailgroup.com

DDI NZ +64 4 979 9668
DDI AU +61 4 888 60415

© 2026 First Retail Group. All rights reserved.