Business Park Meets Growing Need. By Kelly Deeks. Courtesy of Business South

Ashburton is one of the fastest growing rural districts in New Zealand, fuelled by a significant agri-business hub.

So strong is the current and predicted growth that the Ashburton District Council is developing an impressive business park to meet the demands of the flourishing industrial sector.

The 85ha Ashburton Busiess Estate is located on the northern boundary of Ashburton, with direct access to State Highway 1. Plans are progressing to move the main rail yards from the town centre into the prime greenfields site.

The construction of the 45ha Stage 1 was completed in October and interest is expected to intensify in the business-zoned land.

Six sites are currently either under conditional contract or in negotiation with the development board.

The marketing team at Colliers International in Christchurch, of Noel Gilchrist, Gary Seear and Brent Bailey, say they are in talks with several other prospective purchasers locally and nationally.

Among those who have signed up is Canterbury Longrun Roofing, a division of the 40 year old Nelson based Freeman Group, already operating in Ashburton.

The company has committed to a 1.1ha site, somewhat larger than their immediate requirement because of the affordability of Ashburton’s pricing.

Noel Gilchrist, of Colliers, says interest in Ashburton Business Estate is coming both from operators within the area wanting to relocate to larger, more convenient premises and from out-of-town businesses lured by the low land costs and robust infrastructure.

“The Ashburton Business Estate offers some of the lowest indutrial-zoned land prices in the region,” says Gilchrist.

“The council is taking a pragmatic approach. It will work with companies to tailor a specific package – whatever it takes to get your business up and running. “We’ll also look at ownership or lease back options.”

For the year ended 2010, GDP growth in the Ashburton district was almost twice the Canterbury and New Zealand average.

Ashburton’s primary industry of agriculture is the focus for much of the region’s businesses, followed by manufacturing.

Lamb, wool, deer and beef production, as well as horse breeding and a growing dairy industry, also contribute strongly to the region and country’s economy. Horticulture is a significant industry with the district accounting for 43% of New Zealand’s arable production and 60% of the country’s pasture seed production.

The district features on a global stage, producing 50% of the world’s radish seeds, 35% of clover seeds, 33% of carrot seeds, and a major portion of the world’s bok choi seeds.

Almost 50% of New Zealand’s irrigated land is located in the Ashburton District, and with current innovation, this will increase significantly.

Ashburton has a strong, dynamic workforce with 60% of its 29,000 residents between the ages of 15 and 64 years.

Ashburton District Council chief executive, Brian Lester, says the Ashburton Business Estate is designed to support the continued growth of the region, by making it easier for business owners to take advantage of everything the district has to offer.

“The region is attracting a growing number of innovative business owners who have taken advantage of low land prices and low input costs, and a stable work force, to establish a diverse range of businesses, including engineering, handicrafts, viticulture, print and apparel manufacturing.”