The land and buildings which previously housed a busy garden supplies warehouse and retail operations in the heart of a prosperous Waikato town for nearly two decades has been placed on the market for sale.

The well-presented rectangular 2,014-square metre site in Matamata comprises two identically shaped and sized land titles – currently unified into one location – which previously sustained the Four Seasons Home Garden Centre under the Yates-branded marque.

The flat land straddles two separate streets – Tainui and Meura – in a portion of Matamata which is zoned for commercial use by Matamata-Piako District Council. The location is situated across the road from Matamata’s foremost recreational hub – with squash, netball and tennis courts, football fields, and an athletics track, as well as the town’s public swimming pool.

The Tainui Street portion of the site comprises a substantial sealed customer parking yard, adjoining a single level garage style warehouse building, and awning-covered outdoor display space which previously showcased shrubs, flowers, plants and garden ornaments. Meanwhile the Meura Street part of the site features a small concrete block building and substantial metalled vehicle parking yard formerly used for displaying the likes of bagged domestic potting mixes and fertilisers, allowing for efficient customer vehicle access.

Now vacant and awaiting a new future, the freehold land and 160-square metres of buildings at 6 Tainui Street and 5 Meura Street in Matamata are being offered for sale at auction on October 2 through Bayleys Waikato. Salesperson Josh Smith said the addresses were situated just a few hundred metres off Matamata’s main retail strip, Broadway, in a buffer precinct between the central business district, and the town’s residential suburbs.

“The site benefits from having vehicular access off both Tainui and Meura streets. Already being in two titles makes the location perfect for potential subdivision from its existing state, or for development into two separate tenancies on the current footprint subject to council consenting approval,” said Smith.

“Neighbouring premises in the locale are already split into approximately 1000-square metre configurations which have access points off both Tainui and Meura streets, so it is very easy to envisage any future development of 6 Tainui Street and 5 Meura Street replicating this dynamic.

“Public parking spaces are plentiful on both roads – with both of the two sites within the currently unified format having approximately 20-metres of street frontage each, and approximately 50 metres of depth behind.

“With ample land, and minimal structures on site, the less-developed Meura Street portion of the site has the potential to be developed into a multi-premises tradies style hub, which could, subject to council consents, sustain three or four new tilt-slab style buildings.”

Smith said that the open plan retail portion of the block could be enhanced with the installation of large shopfront winders to open up the showroom area currently housed behind roller doors. The building also comprised a small office space, alongside a staff lunchroom and bathroom amenities.

“Alternatively, the layout – sitting under a five-metre plus ceiling height – would be perfect for conversion into an automotive repairs or maintenance premises which could utilise the extensive external sealed areas at both the front and rear of the location for customer vehicle parking. Being conveniently located close to the heart of Matamata’s CBD would be an added bonus for customers filling in time after leaving their vehicle in for works or servicing,” he said.

“Also, being so close to Matamata’s year-round sports amenities within the domain green space, a visionary new entrepreneurial owner of the site could also look at establishing a cross-code gym and sports wellbeing or rehab’ venue to support the hundreds of players utilising the various independent sporting activities which take place there.”

Smith said that while the auction was for the unified commercial block, the vendor was open to discussions for selling either of the land titles and infrastructure individually.

“Having the flexibility to purchase either of the two portions separately would appeal to owner/occupiers looking for new or bigger premises close to the centre of Matamata. They could either move into the existing Tainui Street building right away, or have purpose-built premises constructed on the Meura Street landholding to service their specific requirements,” he said.

As a thriving rural services township with a population of some 7,806 residents according the 2018 census, Matamata is the second largest urban community within the Matamata-Piako District Council territorial authority. Matamata businesses derive much of their income from the dairying, equine, and cropping sectors of primary industry, while the locale’s central business district contains all the retail and household commercial entities required to serve the day-to-day needs of the wider population.

Click here for more information on the listing.