Business South May 2021

10 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Selwyn District Council Selwyn boom shows no sign of slowing Richard Loader “Rolleston used to be the longest commute but the new motorway has significantly reduced commuting times for people travelling to and from Christchurch.” Sam Broughton to page 12 S elwyn District is riding high on the crest of a growth and development wave that shows no sign of losing momentum. Encompassing 6500 square kilometres between the Rakaia and Waimakariri rivers, stretching from Lake Ellesmere/Te Waihora on the eastern boundary to Arthur’s Pass in the Southern Alps, Selwyn District is a potpourri of sites of interest, mountainous ranges and ski fields, historic farm stations — and opportu- nity. Replete with a large number of historic and quaint villages and townships, the district’s larger townships include Leeston and Darfield but more recently Rolleston has become the largest by a country mile with over 20,000 people now living there. The district’s unofficial capital, Rolleston is home to the District Council and where much of the commercial and industrial development is taking place. Much of the district’s growth has occurred post Christchurch’s earthquake events, with people still wanting to connect to the big city and all she it has to offer, but not necessarily live within her walls. West Melton grew quickly from a small set- tlement, benefiting from a lot of new housing in the first few years of the quakes, followed by Prebbleton, Lincoln and then Rolleston. “It’s a 15-20 minute commute from the sub- urban towns to the city,’ says Selwyn District mayor Sam Broughton. “Rolleston used to be the longest commute but the new motorway has significantly re- duced commuting times for people travelling to and from Christchurch. “There are a lot of jobs in Rolleston now, so people can travel from the city to Rolleston a lot quicker.” info@ ikon.co.nz 03 352 9207 EST. 1976 SELWYN HEALTH HUB DESIGN PARTNERS & ARCHITECTS