Buyers Eye Next Chapter for Canterbury Landmark

Buyers are eyeing future options for one of Mid Canterbury’s most recognisable industrial landmarks, as Ashburton’s historic former glassworks site goes up for sale.

The more than 3.2-hectare property on Glassworks Road is home to a heritage-listed 1920s glassmaking factory that has since served several uses, along with silo storage for more than 10,300 tonnes of grain, or other crops, plus supporting buildings and generous yard areas.

It sits within the well-established Netherby industrial precinct, on the eastern side of Ashburton, one of Canterbury’s most important commercial and agricultural centres. Exceptional operational access is assured by a private rail siding and handy access to State Highway 1.

The original factory, with its impressive brick façade and 38-metre concrete brick lined chimney, dates to 1928. It was operated by the Southern Cross Glass Company, then as a military training facility during World War 2, and later by the navy for storage. It briefly served as a plywood factory, before pivoting to storage of linseed and grain and most recently as a malting/barley storage facility, supported by additional related infrastructure.

Flexible zoning supports an array of future industrial and commercial uses, and potential for redevelopment.

The freehold property at 8 Glassworks Road, Ashburton, is now being offered to buyers with vacant possession, on an ‘as-is, where-is’ basis. It is being marketed for sale by deadline private treaty closing on Thursday 10 September (unless sold prior), through Jesse Paenga and William Wallace of Bayleys Canterbury.

Paenga, Bayleys’ South Island Capital Markets director, says new owners have diverse possibilities to explore.

“With a freehold landholding of over 32,600 square metres, substantial bulk storage capacity, strategic transport links, and a well-established industrial location, this site represents a rare opportunity to secure a strategic asset with infrastructure seldom available to the market.

“Direct rail siding access, together with ten 1,000-tonne silos and six 60-tonne silos, grain intake, loadout and conveying plant, and some 2,871 square metres of buildings make it exceptionally well suited to bulk storage, processing, logistics, and other industrial operations.

“Favourable zoning and excellent connectivity to State Highway 1 further enhance its long-term operational appeal, and genuine flexibility. Whether continuing industrial operations, or repurposing the existing improvements, the property offers a compelling opportunity across a wide range of buyer profiles,” says Paenga.

Wallace, who is Bayleys’ Commercial South Island general manager, says Business E zoning under Ashburton’s district plan supports a wide range of employment-generating industrial uses and associated commercial activities.

“The site’s functional attributes are complemented by its Category 1 Heritage New Zealand designation, recognising its significance as the former Ashburton Glassworks – one of Mid Canterbury's standout industrial landmarks.

“This adds another dimension to the compelling real estate fundamentals, making this a unique opportunity for investors, owner-occupiers, developers, and adaptive reuse specialists seeking to unlock the long-term potential of a truly distinctive asset,” he says.

Wallace says the opportunity is further underpinned by the strategic Ashburton location.

“The surrounding industrial precinct is home to a mix of established manufacturing, engineering, warehousing, and trade-based businesses, reinforcing its reputation as the district's premier industrial location.

“Accessibility is to the fore, with State Highway 1 enabling direct links to Christchurch to the north, Timaru to the south, and the wider South Island freight network.

“The nearby inland port and rail infrastructure, together with the district's proximity to major agricultural producers and processing facilities, further strengthen Ashburton's position as a key service and distribution centre for the region,” Wallace says.

Potential buyers of this property may also consider a bulk grain storage and handling facility at 56 Wings Line, Marton, which is being offered for sale through Bayleys Palmerston North.