The builder’s daughter
Lilly Cooper loves Tuesdays. Every Tuesday afternoon, irrespective of weather or pressing business matters, Lilly will be found in the company of her adored two-year-old grandson, Edgar.
“That’s where I get my balance. I have absolutely bonded with him and he’s very special. We have beautiful times together,” Lilly says.
One can only imagine the positive mentoring and empowerment gained from a grandmother figure such as Lilly.
In her 62 years, the matriarch behind Cooper Developments has more than proved her mettle in the male-dominated field of property development, staring down business challenges that would send others, with less grit, running for cover.
Born and bred in Christchurch, Lilly was educated at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School. Her father was a builder, so bricks and mortar, constructions and land always loomed large in her life.
On leaving school, Lilly swiftly made her way into property, working for property investor Stephen Collins, the man behind the expansion of Harcourts.
Aged 19, she made her first property deal – a sizeable purchase of 14 inner city houses from a Nelson based vendor.
After successfully negotiating a six-month delayed settlement, the day came, and Lilly promptly sold all 14 properties, marking the beginning of her long and successful career.
Property development isn’t for the faint-hearted. On 21 February, 2011, Lilly’s purchase of an iconic Sydenham retail space went unconditional. The next day, Christchurch was hit by the devastating 6.2 magnitude earthquake.
Faced with the enforced closing of all CBD retail precincts for an unspecified length of time, Lilly and her daughter, Caroline, set to work in planning
The Colombo’s new future.
The vision was to create a beautiful and safe space for beleaguered families to de-stress and remember what enjoyment felt like.
In times of uncertainty, The Colombo became the people’s beacon of certainty. Caroline was 23 at the time, and was working in commercial sales and leasing, after having recently returned from studying design in London. Her different ideas as to what a boutique retail space should offer its community, along with her vitality and creativity, was just what The Colombo needed.
The mother and daughter collaboration worked so well that it still continues.
“The business is very much a family operation, and I love it that I have young people around me. All my staff are young. They keep me stimulated and up with everything,” Lilly says.
A few years ago, Lilly faced one of her most daunting challenges when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but in typical Lilly fashion, she did what she does best; she faced it and fought back, finding strength and resilience through her passion for her work.
Rolleston Fields is the latest project for Cooper Developments, with its subsidiary company, Tennyson 55, working closely with Selwyn District Council to provide a stunning complex in the heart of Rolleston.
Designed by Thom Craig Architects and IKON Architects, the multi-million-dollar development comprises 10 buildings, with four currently under construction.
When completed, the development will bring to the local community a retail precinct, a covered weekend farmers’ market, a food hall, a health and wellbeing centre, bars and eateries, and an entertainment precinct.
“I believe in synergy and what can be achieved in business through synergy,” says Lilly. “I love seeing happy tenants, smiles on faces, people walking their dogs through our buildings. The Colombo’s recent Dog Fashion Show brought in 600 people. The whole event was free. There was so much laughter and enjoyment. That’s worth everything. That’s where I find my happiness,” she laughs.”
