Mill site being subdivided

Steve Hill.
Steve Hill.
The site of the former Rosebank Sawmill, earmarked for industrial growth, is in the process of being subdivided.

The 8ha site south of Balclutha was bought by the Clutha District Council in 2015 as part of the council's desire to encourage industrial growth.

The mill closed in 2014 after Southern Cross Forest Products went into receivership.

Council chief executive Steve Hill said the council made the move to develop the site after it identified a lack of space in Balclutha for industrial growth.

Subdividing the site into six lots was nearing completion. One will be retained by the council and the rest sold.

Mr Hill said the council was looking at providing light industrial buildings on its lot to meet the demand in the area.

In order to keep the development rates-neutral it was more fitting for the council to stick to a smaller number of lots.

''It will allow us to still proceed with our intentions,'' Mr Hill said.

The council was preparing the subdivision plan and the tender process documents so it could ''finalise and market the properties''.

Site manager Sarah Van Asperen said seven business tenants leased the land while the buildings from the former sawmill were demolished or sold.

There were no takers for the 17m tall silo the council offered to give away, so the council was obtaining quotes for scrap metal, she said.

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