Large Mid-Canterbury holding tipped to attract serious national interest

Considered by many as the “bread basket” of New Zealand, the Mid-Canterbury region is continuing to grow apace, with output across the fertile region increasing as ag-technology develops.

As a result, Ashburton town is experiencing near record low vacancy across its commercial and industrial asset class and demand is strong for all areas of property in the region.

With this in mind, the timing for New Zealand based meat company, Silver Fern Farms Ltd, to divest its significant Fairton Plant and adjoining rural land holding, could not be better.

The 485ha of prime land is located on the north side of the Ashburton town boundary in the farming stronghold of Fairton, and comprises 32ha at the former Fairton Plant and 453ha of prime rural holding.

Astute buyers with logistics in mind will appreciate the prized position of the Fairton Plant, bordering the Ashburton Business Estate and featuring over 1km of Main South rail line frontage.

Situated approximately halfway between the ports of Lyttelton and Timaru, it’s easy to see the appeal for large scale producers and exporters. Significant cold storage improvements on the plant site generate a strong monthly rental income while other areas of that same site may have refurbishment or redevelopment potential for the new owners.

Marketed by Sam Staite and Richard O’Sullivan, directors respectively of Colliers International’s industrial and rural and agribusiness divisions, they are for sale by deadline private treaty, closing 4pm on Thursday 26 March, unless sold prior.

“The demand in Ashburton industrial continues to outstrip supply as is evidenced with the vast uptake of land in the Ashburton Business Estate. The Council is pushing forward with the development of future stages here and we believe this strong demand will continue,” says Staite.

The prime rural land has significant water consents and could be further leveraged against the current bank of fertility, supporting a number of farming systems to harness increased returns from the land.

O’Sullivan says that productive soils, regular crop rotation, plus 383ha of border dyke irrigation, give high levels of reliable arable and pastoral production.

Centralised infrastructure, well thought out subdivision and shelter, plus all-weather access to the entire property will further enhance any future farming options pursued by the new owner.