Park development a 'confidence booster'

Nelson MP Nick Smith looks as comfortable behind the controls of a digger as he does in Parliament.

Along with the help of Adcock and Donaldson digger operator Mark Hubbard, Dr Smith was busy scooping up a bucket-load of soil in the sun yesterday.

It wasn't for fun however, with the job marking the first step in the development of the Oaks Business Park in Richmond.

When it's finished, the 10-hectare industrial park, which is next door to Nelson Pine Industries, will be home to businesses such as manufacturers, transport companies and bulk warehousing. It will have 20 sites, ranging in size and priced up to $1.2 million.

Dr Smith said the fact unemployment figures were rising meant "real investment" was important for the region.

"I look forward to seeing jobs that will follow from this initiative," he said.

The property belongs to VPCL Trustees, a property development group. A co-director of the group, Craig Myles, who lives in Dunedin, said resource management issues and the fact the development coincided with the Richmond West rezoning process meant the development had been challenging.

"So it's very satisfying to be in this position and have such strong interest from local business," Mr Myles said. Another director of the development group, Roger Bridge, said it was a pleasure to to be able to put "hard-earned funds" into the Nelson economy. During the ceremony, Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne congratulated the group for working through the difficult planning process.

"You are the first developer under the new planning regime to realise the potential of this area," he said.

Christchurch real estate agent Robert Williams, of Commercial and Industrial Real Estate, said the industrial subdivision was the only one to be launched in the South Island this year.

"It should create some interest in the market and be seen as a confidence booster to the region," he said.

Mr Williams said there was already interest in six of the sites and titles were expected to be issued in March or April next year.

VPCL Trustees bought the land in 2005 for about $4 million and the subdivision includes an oak tree reserve on the Lower Queen St side of the park.