The development has already sparked more investment in the industrial subdivision, which lay empty for almost eight years but is now set to have its final stage of sections developed.
The 28,000sqm Molyneux Industrial Estate — previously known as the Alexandra Business Park — was established by developers Bob Kilgour, Russell Ibbotson and the late Jim McLean in 2009, but the economic downturn then took hold and no sections were sold, Mr Kilgour said.
But in the past nine months four businesses have opened there, including Placemakers, which has moved from its previous Centennial Ave business to the industrial estate.
The Placemakers development was a significant one and more inquiries were already being received about other sections in the industrial area.
Increased interest prompted the estate owners to put in the infrastructure and release the titles for the final stage of the 29-section subdivision, he said. Work would be finished within six to eight months and the sections then released for sale, he said.
The Placemakers building, which also includes the Alexandra Mico Plumbing and Bathrooms business, covers six sections of the industrial estate. Another two businesses covering three sections have also opened in the estate in the past nine months.
The Placemakers store, which opened on Monday, was a significant development showing confidence in the district, Placemakers Alexandra franchise owner Brent Stanley said.
He declined to say how much the development had cost, but said it was a "substantial" one.
