A new industrial park in Masterton is finally materialising after more than a decade in the making.
The first reports of the Poplars Business Park project emerged in 2008.
Now, more than 10 years later, the site on Ngaumutawa Rd is expected to be home to more than 20 businesses next year, with some already moving in.
Clothing store Hebe Boutique shifted from its Kuripuni location three months ago, joining LW and Co and Cafe Sugar, both recently established onsite.
Well-known company, Festival Hire, was due to join the ranks in mid-2023.
Co-owner Shelley Mason said the team was excited to set up in the new complex.
“It’s been four and a half years in the making. Covid has delayed things, it’s been a bit messy.
“We’ve outgrown our Queen St site. We’re currently working out of three locations. It’ll be nice to move into one big place and be a one-stop shop.”
LJ Hooker real estate agent Ben Moorcock said it had been a large, but exciting project.
“There’s probably been more action in this industrial site in the last two years than the last 10. The market has boomed.
“Masterton has been growing in this area as the population increases.”
He said there are just four sections left to be tendered, ranging between 2000 metres and 8000m.
Moorcock said Poplars’ location added to its business appeal.
“In the cities, it’s a lot harder to get affordable industrial land, and you would have to travel out to the wops, so Palmerston North and Wellington have started looking over here.
“This area is only two minutes from town, and it’s right along the bypass, so it’s easy for trucks to drive in. Masterton is very central to Wellington, Hawke’s Bay, and Manawatu.”
Moorcock said buyers hoped a pub would be the next to sign a deal.
“We have the Sugar cafe, but I think the businesses are hoping for a bar or restaurant. There’s still time.”
