Former Timaru A&P Showgrounds sold to TDC owned holding company

The future of Timaru's A&P showgrounds is unclear following the sale of the site to the Timaru District Council-owned holding company, in what is widely seen as a strategic move. 

Timaru District Holdings Ltd secretary Tina Rogers confirmed it had entered into an agreement to purchase the 12 hectare site, but would not say how much was paid for it. 

Rogers said the purchase of the showgrounds was a "strategic" move and complemented the company's investment portfolio.

The sale came as the council was looking into the threat potential big-box development posed to the viability of the central business district, an issue identified in the District Town Centres Study released earlier this year. 

In February, council district planning manager Mark Geddes, who co-authored the report, said big retailers based outside of the CBD could draw business away from the town centre.

Read the story in full at Timaru Herald