After more than four years of wrangling, an industrial park at the southern end of Greytown is becoming a reality.

Work has started on the Bidwills Cutting Industrial Park after a plan change was signed off by the South Wairarapa District Council late last year.

Foundations for the first building are being laid.

The plant will become a new base for Greytown panel beaters and spray painters Athol F Ross Ltd.

"After years of reports, consultation, negotiation and expense the reality of Greytown having a defined Industrial Park has eventuated," Greytown Trust Lands manager Stuart Roper said. It was an exciting time for commercial development in the region, he said.

An increasing number of Wellington-based business people were looking at the economic and lifestyle advantages of operating out of the Wairarapa.

"It's certainly a lot cheaper . . ."

The original zone change application from rural land to industrial was started more than four years ago.

An area of more than 3.6 hectares is now available for development. The first stage of roading and services is under way with local firm Pope & Gray Contractors Ltd awarded the contract.

A second building is out for tender.

Plans were expected by the end of January and the trust hopes to let the second building tender next month for a 400 square metre building for City Care Ltd.

Originally from Christchurch, City Care Ltd has various contracts in the North Island to maintain local authority facilities.

Negotiations are underway with other prospective tenants, including an Australian company wanting to establish a manufacturing base in the South Wairarapa.

"This development is considered to be positive progress for the area," Roper said. "It will change the face of Greytown at the southern end of town for the better and create new opportunities for many."

- © Fairfax NZ News

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