Cawthron Institute, New Zealand’s largest independent science organisation, is selling its prime site in the Nelson CBD to help facilitate its move to a new Science and Technology precinct at Port Nelson.
The 1.0868ha site has been home to Cawthron for more than 50 years, with the organisation celebrating its centenary last year.
The site is one of the largest parcels of high-density residential development land to be offered for sale in Nelson.
The Cawthron Institute is seeking a sale and leaseback for five years to complete construction of its new facilities before relocating to the new complex.
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Colliers directors Geoff Faulkner and Richard Findlay are offering the 98 Halifax Street East property for sale by tender, closing 22 August.
Although the current use is commercial, Faulkner says Nelson City Council supports residential intensification in this area.
“Nelson is in line with the rest of the country with plans for the intensification of an increasing number of well-located sites.”
Divided into seven titles, the site has multiple access points to Halifax Street East and Milton Street, and 98m of road frontage to Halifax Street East.
It comprises numerous buildings, including the 1,500sq m Enviro Tech Wing, which is ripe for multiple repurposing options into the likes of offices, residential care, apartments, or a gym. All other buildings are suitable for demolition and removal, Faulkner says.
“The Cawthron campus is an exceptional and truly unique development opportunity. The Wood, where it’s located, is one of Nelson’s most sought-after suburbs, and only a few minutes’ walk from the CBD.”
Nestled between the Maitai River and the CBD with fantastic local amenities, the site is also close to the Centre of New Zealand and Branford Park.
Officially established in 1921, Cawthron delivers world-class ocean and freshwater science that is helping to build a more sustainable future for generations to come. Their research focuses on the untapped potential of our natural resources to help protect the environment, mitigate climate change, and enhance the wellbeing of communities.
Having outgrown its main facilities in Halifax Street East, Cawthron Institute has opted to invest in world-class laboratories on the new site bordered by Vickerman Street, Wildman Avenue, Haven Road, and Queen Elizabeth II Drive, to create a science and technology hub.
“Cawthron has a rich history at our Halifax Street campus where we have been able to deliver world-class science that has really made a difference,” Cawthron CEO Volker Kuntzsch says.
“We are now looking forward to relocating to the precinct, where our new modern facilities will enable us to continue to realise and advance innovative economic and environmental outcomes for Te Tauihu and Aotearoa.”
The precinct will further augment Nelson’s leading position as a location for innovative companies working in the science and technology sectors.
- Article supplied by Colliers
