Nordstrom Rack and Pier 1 Imports are relocating to new space at Ward Village Shops as part of the long-awaited expansion of Ward Centers.

Howard Hughes Corp., owner of Ward Centers, announced on Tuesday plans to move Pier 1 and Nordstrom Rack to a new two-story building between T.J. Maxx and the existing Pier 1 store on the corner of Auahi and Kamakee streets. The 57,000-square-foot complex is slated to open next fall.

The expansionwill add about 10 percent more space to Ward Centers’ 550,000 square feet, home to more than 135 shops and restaurants plus a 16-screen movie theater.

Nordstrom Rack is currently behind the theater.

The new 12,688-square-foot Pier 1 and nearly 45,000-square-foot Nordstrom Rack will connect to the existing 700-stall, seven-level parking structure next to T.J. Maxx.

"The relocation … sets the stage for future phases of development that will begin the transformation of Ward into a mixed-use community," David Striph, Hawaii senior vice president for Howard Hughes Corp., said in a statement.

The move will give Nordstrom Rack, the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, a larger footprint in Kakaako, expanding its store by 14,000 square feet. Pier 1’s space will be reduced by 3,000 square feet.

Hughes Corp. wouldn’t disclose the estimated cost of the project. The company announced last October it had received a $250 million loan to refinance three mortgages and provide $38 million to begin redevelopment at Ward Centers.

The company said in May that Bed Bath & Beyond will open a 30,000-square-foot store later this year at Ward Centre in the space left vacant by Borders Books & Music. It also hasn’t disclosed what tenant will move in beneath T.J. Maxx or fill the spaces that will eventually be left vacant by the large retailers.

Ward Centers includes Ward Centre, Ward Warehouse, Ward Entertainment Complex and Ward Gateway Center spread over 60 acres on four blocks.