What is NZS’s Land Transformation Project?
NZ Steel’s vision for our broader landholdings in Glenbrook seeks to leverage the unique advantages of our property, which includes -
‒ an established industrial footprint and existing manufacturing capability,
‒ existing transport and utility infrastructure, and
‒ proximity to Auckland and Waikato regions.
Supporting growth of our community into the future
Our aim is to attract complementary industries that will support -
‒ innovation activities, particularly to enable new start-ups to stay in New Zealand,
‒ productivity and advanced manufacturing,
‒ NZ’s energy transition,
‒ regional economic growth and employment.
An early project on NZ Steel’s property that you may be familiar with, is Contact Energy’s BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) on Glenbrook Beach Road.
Our land transformation project will be a staged, long-term approach, where NZ Steel will retain ownership of its land, issuing leases for selected tenants. Over time we aim to attract future-focussed industries and business that support and compliment Steel Mill operations.
Upcoming work for early-stage approvals
Given its potential scale, strategic location and regional significance, our project aligns well with the objectives of the Fast-track Approvals (FTAA) process. As such, an early step is for NZ Steel to lodge a Referral Application, which is the first stage in approvals under FTAA. Our application must demonstrate that the project is -
‒ of regional or national significance, and
‒ environmental and cultural effects can be appropriately managed.
Overall, an FTAA approval will provide more confidence for our business to invest in land transformation activities (initial foundational works), which in turn will open opportunities for quicker uptake by relevant interested businesses. This project will be led by market-demand and approval of our conceptual master plan is essential to be ready for these future opportunities.
Engaging with our community
NZ Steel is committed to maintaining open and transparent engagement with our community throughout the planning and approvals process. We’re currently working with Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, as mana whenua for the Glenbrook rohe and their contribution to cultural, environmental, social and economic aspects is greatly valued by our project team. In preparing our Referral Application we are required to consult with tangata whenua and other key stakeholders, such as Councils.
As our Glenbrook Precinct project moves into the substantive application phase (which follows acceptance of our Referral Application) there will be opportunities for further engagement with key stakeholders and our broader community. You will be able to follow progress on NZ Steel’s website (nzsteel.co.nz) where we will have periodic updates on this project and related activities.
We welcome you getting in touch at any stage through our project email: NZSLandTransformation@bluescopesteel.com.
