Business park sites may be ready in April

Developers behind a $3.5 million development that could regenerate the north end of Oamaru hope local businesses can start moving into new premises at a purpose-built business park by the end of this year.

Work to develop 17 sites at the North Oamaru Business Park began in October and real estate agent Tony Spivey sen said the sites, which form stage 1 of the project to create Oamaru's first business park, could be finished by the end of April.

Mr Spivey said once stage 1 was complete, businesses could then apply for land titles. He added that there was already considerable interest expressed from people intending to locate business premises at the 22ha site, which occupies land between State Highway 1 and the railway line, opposite the Oamaru Racecourse.

''It's looking very good. Construction is under way, and there have been quite a lot of inquiries already.

''After the completion on the construction [of Stage 1], which is the end of April, once title is issued for each individual site, building will commence and people who have purchased sites will be able to commence building or developing.

''I would hope that buildings will be on the property and completed before the end of 2013,'' Mr Spivey said.

Lots cost anywhere from $82 to $155 per square metre for premium locations in the business park, and the planned 17 sites could be expanded should there be enough demand for more space.

The construction of future stages would also depend on demand. Mr Spivey said the fact the business park, which was intended to provide affordable greenfield commercial sites, was well progressed was ''very, very positive'' news for the region as a whole and for the north end of Oamaru in particular.

''It's probably the best thing that has happened to North Otago in many years, since the development of irrigation.''

- andrew.ashton@odt.co.nz