General Cable exits Sockburn

General Cable Corporation’s manufacturing presence in Sockburn, Christchurch, is nearly at an end as its New Zealand head office and manufacturing site is placed on the market.

It is likely to be the biggest property offering in the Christchurch market this year, Colliers International’s general manager of sales and leasing, Mark Macauley, said.

General Cable decided last year to quit manufacturing in Christchurch with the loss of 170 jobs, including some at its Auckland sales centre.

Manufacturing will cease at the end of March and the site is likely to be vacant by September.

The Sockburn site comprises two large properties on a land area of 7.19 hectares. It has access to Blenheim Rd, one of the city’s main arterial routes.

The adjacent sites at 466 Blenheim Rd and 75 Main South Rd provide opportunities for infill developments in one of the favoured industrial locations west of the city.

The sale would be an opportunity for developers, investors or owner-operators, with potential uses including development and refurbishment, Macauley said.

He cited access to the CBD, Christchurch Airport and Lyttelton Port. The location is also near aged-care, childcare and educational facilities including Riccarton High School, as well as nearby shopping.

The two properties contain buildings totalling 30,247 square metres suitable for warehousing, manufacturing, transport and logistics operations.