Industry explosion tipped for Masterton

A swag of new industrial subdivisions in Masterton will generate jobs and growth in the region according to a project backer.
Two separate industrial park proposals in the Ngaumutawa Road area will see the creation of 31 new industrial lots.
The biggest development is being undertaken between State Highway 2 and Ngaumutawa Road, where Solway Properties is developing a 20-lot subdivision.
The lots, most about 2000sq m, will be sold for $60,000 to $140,000 and suit light industrial users, says company co-director David Borman.
He said the development addresses a shortage of industrial property in the Masterton urban area.
"We have so many inquiries from people out of town for industrial land."
He has had inquiries from new and existing businesses including several Wellington businesses wanting to relocate to Wairarapa
He said he and fellow director Rod Miller, owner of Water Mart Wairarapa, bought the land after a six-month search for suitable industrial land.
He said the land is already zoned industrial and he foresees the consent process will happen quickly.
The developers will be planting a 5m boundary buffer zone to separate the industrial park from a residential subdivision to the north.
Once consent is obtained, work will then start on connecting the sections with power and the Masterton District Council sewerage system, roading and street lighting.
Another industrial subdivision is planned for an extension of Pragnell Street.
Dick Quinn, sole agent for the Pragnell industrial estate, said the development will see 11 fully-serviced sections coming on to the market.
The lots will also be about 2000sq m.
Mr Quinn said there was a shortage of fully-serviced industrial land currently available and he has already started fielding inquiries about the lots despite marketing for the sections not having started.
Mayor Bob Francis has welcomed the developments.
He too had been receiving frequent inquiries from people wanting industrial land in Wairarapa.
The developments will create jobs and keep the building industry busy.
"This is good news for the town," Mr Francis said yesterday.