New interest in CBD living

An appetite for apartment living in Timaru appears to be growing, with the south-end of Stafford St being eyed up for potential apartments.

It follows plans to include a new apartment block as part of the proposed Hydro Grand Hotel redevelopment, and former motel units at the Hibernian Hotel being transformed into studio apartments.

Hibernian Hotel owner Todd Mudie said apartment living in Timaru had become increasingly popular, particularly in the past five years.

Timaru was ready urbanisation, he said.

People were ‘‘time poor’’, and many did not want to be tied down to a lease or live in a ’’skungy old rental’’.

‘‘They want everything now, and everything top notch ... everyone’s got something more important than doing lawns or gardens.’’

He said it was a ‘‘changing market’’, especially in central Timaru.

Mudie said he knew of people who were looking ‘‘quite hard’’ at the south-end of Stafford St, including some who had ‘‘picked up’’ buildings with plans to redevelop into living quarters. for

‘‘South-end bright future.’’

The cost of getting into there was less when compared with other places, such as Washdyke, he said.

‘‘I would say it’s close to town, it’s got a lot going for it.’’

Mudie rented out apartments in various places in Timaru, and said the most popular choice were twobedroom apartments. Most of his tenants were young professionals.

The south-end of Stafford St has been a hot topic in the lead up to local government elections, with calls to revitalise the central business district, particularly the south end, with many vacant has got quite a shops and inactivity.

Bayhill Developments codirector Allan Booth said there was a ‘‘growing trend’’ of people moving towards the CBD.

‘‘Obviously more people creates energy, and more things to do.’’

People’s attitudes and lifestyles had changed. Many were looking to enjoy their spare time, such as catching up with friends at a local bar near their residence, Booth said.

The Hydro redevelopment would include 32 apartments for sale, including penthouse apartments.

Aoraki Development chief executive Nigel Davenport agreed the southern end of Stafford St could be converted into apartments, which presented opportunities for developers.

It was a matter of looking outside the box and utilising what was already there, he said.

The conversion of the Hibernian Hotel motel units into studio apartments was ‘‘outstanding’’ news, he said.

From all indications, there was demand for city living in Timaru, Davenport said.

The Timaru District Council was unable to confirm the number of consents sought in relation to apartment-style development on Wednesday.