Business South May 2021

24 | Attractive options at thriving estate T T Kim Newth Built to a contemporary high standard, the bustling development hosts a great mix of enterprises. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Ashburton Business Estate S ince opening in 2011, Ashburton Busi- ness Estate has flourished as a sought-af - ter commercial hub and is now home to many high profile businesses. Growth is on-going with a range of great sites currently available in the Ashburton Dis- trict Council-led multi-stage development. As a smart choice for either a business start- up or as a base for growth, this fully serviced 80 hectare commercial and industrial develop- ment has a lot to offer. The council’s vision for the development - as a sustainable, successful and thriving business hub on Ashburton’s northeast town boundary - is now a vibrant reality. It boasts fantastic transport connections, with easy access to both the South Island’s main trunk railway line and State Highway 1. There are two entries and exits onto the highway, along with several feeder roads. Ashburton Business Estate is also strategically well-placed to make the most of the region’s airports and maritime services. Built to a contemporary high standard, the bustling development hosts a great mix of enterprises. With a range of industries represented – from warehousing, transport, light manu- facturing, agribusiness, food processing and heavy engineering – this growing business community truly reflects the district’s proud industrial and agribusiness heritage, as well as a forward thinking investment and innovation focus. Thousands of trees and shrubs, planted in a buffer zone around the business hub, have created a lovely natural setting for employees and business owners. It also doubles as a noise mitigation measure. Cycle and walking paths around the estate are now well-used by local residents and em- ployees alike. Landscaping also includes scenic ponds, wetlands and rain gardens. In today’s competitive business environ- ment, this development offers some of the lowest industrial-zoned land prices in the region. Added to that is the flexibility to cus - tomise site and dimensions to suit individual requirements. Various terms are available, including full ownership, lease or lease to buy options. Available sites range from 2108sqm through to 13,000sqm, priced between just over $250,000 to $1.5m. Attractive to many businesses weighing up their options also are the lower water and rates costs associated with this development. With on-site storage, built-in energy efficien - cy measures and future-proofed infrastruc- ture, it’s no surprise that business owners across Canterbury are continuing to respond to and explore what’s on offer here. Mid Canterbury’s locally owned co-operative electricity network company, EA Networks, is just one of many local operators to have put down roots at the Ashburton Business Estate. Their purpose-built facility includes a main office, contracting office, workshops, store and pole yard. Seismic resilience was also a design priority for EA Networks. Being locally owned and operated, EA Networks has strong ties to the community and is proud to be part of the town’s commercial hub. The thriving development also includes many local businesses, as well as out of town operators drawn by the development’s mani- fest advantages. Within the Canterbury region, Ashburton offers a great lifestyle. Bordered by ocean, riv - ers and mountains, recreational opportunities abound for fishing, water sports, and skiing, tramping and other outdoor pursuits. Coupled with a growing population, it’s another compelling drawcard for people thinking of doing business here. Central Ashburton’s streetscapes are cur- rently being transformed too, via a $15 million CBD revitalisation project, designed to rein- vigorate the heart of the town with beautiful landscaping, new street furniture, lighting and seating. Also on the works programme for this year are the Council’s new Community Library and Civic Offices. With its proactive focus on development and sustainable long-term growth, the outlook for the town and surrounding area is positive.