Otahuhu land attracts developers

Press, 28 July 1986, Page 35

Otahuhu land attracts developers

PA Auckland Developers are eyeing the prime industrial land which Affco could sell when it closes the Shortland meat works.

Affco has already received calls from developers interested in buying the multi-million dollar Otahuhu land. An Otahuhu real estate agent, Mr Mark Thompson, said, “It’s a superb piece of land in an area where most of the vacant land is already developed and there is a high demand by developers." The 9.2 ha site is zoned for industrial use.

“I would expect developers would put a road in and subdivide to sell off in smaller blocks,” said Mr Thompson. Developers paid $900,000 for I.2ha (three acres) and up to $300,000 for o.2ha, (>£ acre). Affco’s general manager, Mr Max Toy, said a decision on what would happen to the land had not been made but it was likely some would be sold.

The meat exports works will close ,on October 24 making 950 workers redundant The company will continue to run a cannery and meat extract plant with 45 workers. Mr Thompson said the closing of the meat works would add value to other Otahuhu properties.

"The meat works has held back Otahuhu development because of the smells and aura attached. If the meat works closed it would boost the area.” Otahuhu would still have the Westfield freezing works but the Shortland closing would help, he said.

His company manages 250 rental properties and expects redundant freezing workers will have problems paying rent and may have to leave the properties. “South Auckland has a shortage of housing, demand is high and so rents are not cheap. “Everyone knows of South Auckland unemployment, so it will not be easy to get jobs,” ne said.