Dealer snaps up prime site

By Patrick O'Sullivan patrick.osullivan@hbtoday.co.nz

This is a long term strategic move. Stephen Salkeld, sales manager Bay Ford has big plans for its expansion in city

Bay Ford is set to dramatically lift its Hastings profile with the purchase of a large site on the corner of Omahu and Pakowhai Rds in Stortford Lodge as the business looks to expand onto a single site.

Vehicle sales will have an immediate presence on the site to be joined shortly by Bay Motorcycles selling Suzuki and Can-Am from the former Tommo's Restaurant and Bar building.

"This is a long term strategic move," sales manager Stephen Salkeld said.

"For now it is business as usual while we draw up plans to redevelop the site - it will be over two years before any major redevelopments take place.

"It is a prime site and we want to make sure we get it right. Until then it is business as usual in Hastings."

The site is 55 per cent zoned commercial service, with the remainder used for residential purposes. It had a 2010 CV of $2.687 million.

Mr Salkeld said the petrol station on the site would likely remain long term.

"It fits in with the business model." Stortford Lodge site manager and sales Consultant Steve Wardsaid Bay Ford needed to expand.

"Business is very good and this site was too great an opportunity to let slip," he said.

"It's an excellent location. It has to be one of the busiest intersections in Hawke's Bay and it is very close to the sales yards - very convenient for farmers.

"I can't wait." The site's situation, on the main arterial route from Hastings to the Napier/Hastings Expressway, gives it exposure to more than 20,000 vehicles a day.