Stage one of Central Otago's largest industrial complex is up and running in Cromwell, after construction began in January.
Traders Lane on McNulty Rd was officially opened by Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson and National's Otago MP, Jacqui Dean, on Saturday afternoon.
About 50 people attended the opening, most of whom were involved in the 2079sq m initial construction and development of the complex.
Co-owner Henry van der Velden said 11 of stage one's 14 available lease sites, which ranged from 74sq m to 160sq m, had been leased and opened for business from October 8.
As well as industrial businesses, the complex comprises a health centre, outdoor activity rental equipment and retail outlet, a laundromat, and a financial management business.
Stage two of the development would be built according to the specific requirements of industrial tenants, he said.
"We are not worried about the economic climate at the moment because we will build as we are able to, and as business requires.
"Cromwell's growth will dictate as to how we progress in the following stages."
The entire Traders Lane area, which was bought in June last year, covers 7050sq m of land in the centre of Cromwell's industrial business area.
Mr van der Velden said eventually the complex would extend to also front Wolter Crescent.
Dr Macpherson said Traders Lane was an example of Cromwell taking over from the rest of the district, as well as Wanaka and Queenstown, in terms of industrial growth.
"Central Otago, and Cromwell in particular, is one of the best places to ride out the economic struggles the country's facing at the moment.
"I've been saying for a number of years that Cromwell has led the way in inland Otago, and this complex proves it."
