'World-class' science and technology hub on the cards for Nelson

Tuesday, 16 March 2021

The site of the science and technology precinct would be at Port Nelson – on land bordered by Vickerman St, Wildman Ave, Haven Rd and State Highway 6.

Nelson could soon be home to a “world-class” science and technology hub based at Port Nelson, with the Cawthron Institute as one of the potential new tenants.

Port Nelson, in collaboration with the research institute, has been investigating the development of the precinct on its land, which is bordered by Vickerman St, Wildman Ave, Haven Rd and State Highway 6.

The Nelson City Council has also proposed to support the project to the tune of up to $5 million.

While due diligence on the proposed precinct site is ongoing and subject to further commercial negotiations, it is hoped a formal announcement could be made by the middle of this year.

Cawthron Institute chief executive Volker Kuntzsch, left, Nelson mayor Rachel Reese and Port Nelson chief executive Hugh Morrison at the site of the proposed science and technology precinct at Port Nelson.

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Port Nelson chief executive Hugh Morrison said in a statement that the vision for the precinct was to attract companies from a variety of sectors to work together on solutions to challenges in science and research, information technology, software development, health, agritech and aquatech.

“Our vision is for a … sustainable precinct campus, including collaborative workspaces and shared amenities such as conference facilities,” he said.

“With innovation as a key theme, the space will accommodate food and beverage outlets, open spaces and provide a park-like environment. The precinct will enhance the connection to the city centre via the Maitai River walkway and cycleway.”

The Cawthron Institute has also confirmed it would be looking to relocate its existing laboratories from Halifax St East to the new site.

Cawthron's current facilities are due for major upgrades, which were expected to cause significant disruption and take several years to complete.

Cawthron Institute chief executive Volker Kuntzsch said that with 70 per cent of New Zealand’s aquaculture industry based in Te Tauihu, the precinct could create opportunities to collaborate with other organisations that were also working to deliver sustainable economic and environmental solutions for the ocean economy.

“We are really excited to be able to develop new world-class research facilities, which will act as a springboard for delivering impactful science for the next 100 years. This significant investment in our region will enable our people to take their research to the next level, which will not only provide benefits locally, but also nationally and beyond.”

Morrison said the potential involvement of the Cawthron Institute in the precinct would “blaze a trail for a range of national and international tenants”.

The city council is proposing to support the precinct’s development through its Long-Term Plan, which will be going out for public consultation in March.

At present, there is an allocation of $3.5m proposed in the Long-Term Plan, with project initiation funding of $1.5m available in the current year – adding to a final figure of up to $5m.

This would be paid for through debt funding at a cost of $150,000 in rates per year (over 40 years).

Nelson mayor Rachel Reese said the precinct would support the work being undertaken by the council to improve the Ccity to sea connection, as well as contributing to economic development opportunities and aligning with the Te Tauihu Intergenerational Strategy.

Pending final site negotiations, the first phase of the development could begin as early as 2022.