An A-grade industrial facility in Timaru’s Washdyke business precinct is being presented to the market for sale or lease, offering a well-timed chance to capitalise on Canterbury's commercial upswing.

Bayleys Christchurch senior broker Scott Bentley, in conjunction with colleague Graeme Donaldson, is marketing the 1.36ha freehold property at 93 Racecourse Road for sale or lease through an Expressions of Interest campaign, with all negotiations being conducted by negotiation.

Bentley says that, being positioned within the thriving regional hub, the property provides owner-occupiers and investors with a smart foothold in a market that benefits from Canterbury’s broader economic momentum and growing investor confidence.

“The versatile configuration and a commanding profile to State Highway 8 provide flexibility for a range of buyers in a market showing signs of increasing energy, supported by improving economic conditions and demand for well-located industrial assets.

“The expansive site provides a significant landholding in one of the South Island’s most strategically important transport corridors. The building’s central positioning on the site allows excellent truck access and circulation, with additional surplus land providing scope for future expansion or development,” he says.

Constructed circa 2008 by respected local firm Thomson Engineering, the 2,750sqm (more or less) facility was purpose-built as industrial warehousing and distribution and features a high-stud design, wide-span interiors, and a durable concrete apron for efficient goods handling.

Bayleys Christchurch senior broker Graeme Donaldson says the configuration would also suit manufacturing purposes, with a primary warehouse of approximately 1,950sqm, complemented by around 450sqm of modern office and amenities split across two levels.

“A 125sqm (more or less) cantilevered canopy and additional covered areas of circa 225sqm and 360sqm provide further functionality for heavy machinery, container storage, or weather protected operations.

“With 25 car parks and generous sealed and unsealed yard space, the property is ideal for businesses requiring lay-down areas, vehicle storage or future development options. A site coverage of just 16 percent presents clear value-add potential in a constrained land market.

“Improvements have been thoughtfully designed to support efficient workflows for production or logistics operators, while the corporate-grade office component ensures it will suit head office-style occupiers looking to consolidate operations in a lower-cost yet high-profile location.”

Washdyke is the dominant industrial precinct in Timaru, offering accessibility to the State Highway network. The area supports a diverse industrial base, including logistics, Agri-processing, and manufacturing enterprises, and continues to attract investment due to its affordability and central location between Christchurch and Dunedin.

Donaldson says that businesses based in Timaru benefit from a skilled workforce, connectivity via road, rail and port, and competitive operating costs compared to major centres.

“Available with vacant possession from June 2025, the property will suit both owner-occupiers looking to relocate or expand and investors seeking to establish new lease terms with a motivated and experienced landlord.

“Purchasing the property would allow business owners to take control of their occupancy costs and build long-term equity, while leasing offers the benefit of flexibility with a landlord who understands the needs of modern industrial operations.

“With growing confidence in the industrial market and limited supply of comparable premises in the South Canterbury region, this property presents a compelling opportunity for a broad range of purchasers, particularly forward-thinking occupiers and investors.