A developer aiming to bring 12 businesses to a new multimillion-dollar industrial precinct in South Dunedin says the city is on the cusp of a boom.
Resource and building consents have been granted for “Industry on Hillside”, a $9 million development in Hillside Rd.
The about 2300sq m site will feature 12 individual units, from 90-300sq m each, aimed at light commercial and industrial occupants.
Logic Group director Shaun Pont said the development was “something that hasn’t really been done in Dunedin” before.
He described it as a “modern light-industrial precinct” aimed at tradie-type businesses seeking their own lock-ups.
This could include builders, electricians and plumbers — even a spa pool showroom, print shop or a micro-brewery.
“It gives an opportunity for new businesses to create their own new patch and give them good visibility there.
“If we achieve the goal of getting 12 new businesses into South Dunedin, then it’s only got to be positive.”
The units were expected to be marketed from late January, the intention being to sell or lease.
Dunedin was on the “cusp … of a boom”, Mr Pont said.
Residential developers were demolishing older homes to build modern townhouses, and the government was also investing in new buildings — including the new Dunedin hospital.
“With the billions of dollars that are going to be going into the region over the next 10 to 15 years, there needs to be a lot of industry to support that growth.
“And what have they got at the moment? They’ve got earthquake-prone buildings to move into, buildings that aren’t designed to code, wet, damp facilities.
“Now’s the right time to get in there and do it.”
With Calder Stewart’s PlaceMakers development, in Carisbrook, and KiwiRail’s more than $100m refurbished Hillside workshops across the road, “it just makes sense that this part of Dunedin is starting to be a bit more revitalised”, Mr Pont said.
“I think there’s enough now to start creating a catalyst to get further investment and development down through Hillside Rd.”
Mr Pont, who is Christchurch-based but grew up on the Taieri, said South Dunedin was already starting to rival the CBD.
While the suburb was more industry-focused and would never compete with retail offerings in the CBD, it needed to start looking more attractive with modern, fit-for-purpose premises.
Areas of the centre city, such as Princes and Vogel Sts, were already starting to be revitalised.
“I think now it’s South Dunedin’s turn.”
The development could be “a massive catalyst” and he hoped others would see it as an opportunity too, Mr Pont said.
Developments needed to be made easier.
“Things like this, councils need to open their arms to allow it to happen . . . because once the hospital’s done, the opportunity’s lost.
“They’ve got to take this opportunity now and just do it.”
Construction was expected to begin in January and completed around August.