PowerNet considers Balclutha
Southern electricity network provider PowerNet is looking at options for its Balclutha-based operation, which could mean a change of site, or possibly a move to Milton, in a $4m development.
Balclutha PowerNet staff gave feedback on an online survey and at workshops during a consultation period about the various options, PowerNet chief executive Jason Franklin, of Invercargill, said.
About 65 per cent of PowerNet staff reside in Balclutha. Former provider Otago Power Services was integrated into PowerNet a year ago.
‘‘An assessment of our assets and buildings is something that has to happen. It [the Charlotte St site] has come to the end of its useful life, so the question has been do we re-invest in Balclutha or elsewhere.’’
The options include staying at the Charlotte St depot but developing new facilities, or quitting the site and going to the Clutha District Council-owned Rosebank Industrial Site, or moving operations from Balclutha to Milton.
Franklin stressed that none of the options involved a reduction in staff, but represented an investment in South Otago ‘‘in a facility that will be there for another 40-50 years’’.
The Charlotte St site contains the PowerNet offices, along with engineering consultancy MWH Global, Corys Electrical and the business’s truck shed. PowerNet was looking at an option to retain the MWH building, move Corys and field operations temporarily to another site, demolish the Cory’s truck shed, and construct a new PowerNet building and truck shed, and re-develop the old complex for a Corys warehouse and showroom.
At present, the area is zoned mixed-urban and while Powernet has existing rights to using the site as it is, any changes would be subject to a Clutha District Council zone change, new noise restrictions, building heights and environmental considerations.
In background documentation accompanying the staff survey, the council indicated ‘‘a strong desire’’ for PowerNet to be located in an industrial area. While the site, just south of Balclutha, had many points in its favour, the shape was not completely suited to frequent vehicle movements and it was not close to amenities.
The old Calder Stewart Industrial Site north of Milton was the third option under consideration. Travel time of about 20 minutes was a factor to be considered for the large proportion of Balcluthabased staff and call out times. However, the proposed site was deemed to have some advantages over other options because if was already fully developed as an industrial site with the right access.
The development of a new site, regardless of the option, would cost about $4m, Franklin said.
Staff feedback, options and recommendations will be considered at the OtagoNet and PowerNet board meetings on Wednesday and Thursday and a decision was expected to be announced within the next two weeks.