Various options for factory site

The former Helensville dairy factory site which is zoned Retail Service. Photo / Supplied

The big, run-down former dairy factory site on the edge of Helensville township, which has stood vacant for many years, has suddenly sparked interest now it is for sale by auction.

The property at 2-30 Mill Rd backs on to the Kaipara River and encompasses a large nearly level 1.36ha freehold site with about 12 buildings on the western side of Helensville, where Mill Rd is part of State Highway 16.

Included within Bayleys' Total Property portfolio, the property will be auctioned on December 7 and is being marketed by John Algie and Nigel McNeill of Bayleys Auckland.

Algie says it is owned by older investors who want to dispose of it. "Consequently it has been put up for auction and it is likely to go for a very attractive price," he says.

"As a result of this, and the property's size, location and its retail zoning, there has been interest from owner-occupiers, developers and investors. The council and local residents are particularly keen to see the site developed because its prominence, combined with long-term vacancy and untidy state, detracts from the town's image.

"It is therefore likely there will be a favourable response to anyone who wants to develop it commercially. Moreover, it is in a picturesque spot and we've had various inquiries relating to that, including it being considered for a residential project."

The buildings on the site are of various sizes and ages, ranging from the original masonry dairy factory to high-stud, comparatively modern metal clad warehouse structures, with a combined gross floor area of 4666sq m.

The buildings are surrounded by sealed yards and there is a new fully secure electrified fence around the perimeter. Algie says some of the buildings will have to be demolished but the better ones could be kept and developed. With a Retail Service zoning, he says the options for the property are wide and allow for activities to change over time with changing market demands.

"We've had people looking at retaining some of the buildings for bulk retail, storage, film-making or for industrial usage, as well as residential - all subject to council consent, of course.

"The Retail Service zoning applies to areas where shops, offices and associated commercial services are primary activities, including town centre main business areas.

"The range of activities possible within this zone is deliberately wide to facilitate pedestrian access to a variety of services."

McNeill says Helensville has become more accessible with the recently completed extension to the Northwestern Motorway that has markedly improved the transit time to downtown Auckland, which is now about 40 minutes' drive away. The Northern Railway corridor also runs through Helensville, and passes beside the property.

McNeill says that one of the property's best features is the adjacent Kaipara River which feeds the Kaipara Harbour, one of the largest harbours in the world.

The area on the opposite bank is a wetland reserve.

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