High profile Mercer site between two cities

The big site for sale in Mercer borders State Highway 1 - identified by a red border. Photo / Supplied

A big commercial development site for sale bordering State Highway 1, just south of the Bombay Hills, is expected to attract businesses seeking a high profile between Auckland and Hamilton.

The 2.25ha site at Mercer is bounded by SH1, Riverbank Rd and Horace Russell Rd - midway between the two cities - and is for sale by negotiation by Ash Vincent and Greg Goldfinch of Colliers International.

Vincent says the site is conveniently located in the Mercer town centre, right by the Waikato Expressway interchange and is only three minutes' drive from the foothills of Bombay and the turn-off to SH2 to Coromandel and Tauranga.

"This property has a huge amount of profile on New Zealand's main highway, with NZ Transport Agency data showing more than 24,000 vehicles pass by each day," he says.

"It's a great opportunity for businesses to get maximum exposure for their products and services. Mercer's central location within the upper North Island also makes it an excellent business base - Auckland, Hamilton, the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty are all within reach."

The property offers the only business zoned development land in the surrounding area.

Vincent says a broad range of uses are permitted under Franklin District zoning rules, so a variety of businesses could make the most of the property.

"The site's high profile and easy access make it ideal for service retailers, industrial users, accommodation providers or hospitality operators."

Destination service retailers in particular could benefit from the property's strategic location and significant profile on State Highway 1, Vincent says.

"This is an excellent location for the likes of an agricultural services retailer, equipment supplier, or commercial vehicle dealership," he says.

The property could also suit industrial users seeking a high-profile location with proximity to main transport and distribution routes and major centres.

"The neighbouring 2ha site has already sold to a low-impact industrial user," Vincent says.

Goldfinch says the site could draw on a wide customer and employee base, driven in part by high Auckland house prices.

"New housing developments are springing up around the Bombays to meet demand, while some Aucklanders have been buying homes in Hamilton," he says.

"A business located in Mercer could draw on staff and customers from Auckland, Hamilton and the surrounding areas."

Goldfinch says the site offers plenty of nearby amenities.

"It's right next door to the Mobil service station and McDonald's, and just down the road from Pokeno Bacon and the 'world famous in New Zealand' Mercer Cheese shop."

Goldfinch says prospective buyers should act today. "We've already sold the neighbouring site, so we're encouraging interested parties to move quickly," he says.