Holden Elizabeth site sold

General Motors Holden has announced that a buyer for its Elizabeth manufacturing site in South Australia has been selected, following a six-month call for expressions of interest.

The majority of the site is set to be developed to become one of the country’s largest business hubs, with Holden to retain the remainder to house its national spare parts distribution outfit and a Heritage Centre.

“A preferred investor/developer from interstate has been identified for the property based on their long-term investment strategy,” said Holden’s executive director of manufacturing Richard Phillips. “They have a good performance record and ability to deliver a high- quality outcome, with a willingness to work with local authorities and the community.

“The site is to be transformed into a master-planned, innovative business park, providing employment opportunities for new and established industries such as resources, engineering, logistics, construction, defence, food and beverage and sales from both the local, national and international market,” Mr Phillips said. “Renewable energies will be part of the masterplan.” The Heritage Centre will accommodate iconic Lions, including the last-off-the-line models, to recognise Holden’s manufacturing presence in the northern Adelaide suburb since 1962.

The brand will undertake a decommissioning process in the interim and has lodged a two-year environmental decontamination plan with the EPA. Both are expected to be completed by the middle of 2019.

The contracts of sale for Elizabeth are being finalised as we write and Holden will soon announce the name of the purchaser along with further details.