Showstopping Development
Rooney Group is proud to have played a key role in the early stages of the Timaru Showgrounds Development, one of South Canterbury’s most significant recent commercial developments. Located on the former Timaru Showgrounds site, the 12-hectare project has transformed a largely underutilised area into a major retail and commercial hub for the region.
Originally proposed in 2016, the development was confirmed in late 2020 following the acquisition of the site by Redwood Group. Rooney Group was engaged in 2021 to undertake the bulk earthworks and site preparation required to establish the platform levels for the three-stage, 34,000m² commercial development.
The project required careful planning and execution to meet strict resource consent conditions while preparing the site for future retail construction. Today, the development is home to several major national retailers and has become a key destination for the Timaru community.
Project Scope:
- Bulk earthworks and site preparation across the 12-hectare development site
- Regrading of existing site contours to achieve design levels
- Stripping and management of topsoil across the development area
- Establishment of development platforms for future commercial construction
- Compliance with all resource consent requirements and environmental controls
- Coordination with archaeological monitoring during earthworks operations
- Site stabilisation and preparation for staged construction activities
- Delivery of earthworks programme within the required project timeframe.
Technical Information:
The primary objective of Rooney Group’s involvement was to transform the former showgrounds into a development-ready site capable of supporting a large-scale commercial precinct. Extensive earthworks were undertaken to reshape the site’s existing contours and establish the finished platform levels required for future construction.
Works included bulk earthmoving, topsoil stripping, contour reshaping, and the preparation of development platforms across the site. Throughout construction, close attention was paid to compliance with resource consent conditions, environmental controls, and site management requirements.
An archaeologist monitored earthworks activities during the topsoil stripping phase to identify and protect any significant historical or cultural features. No significant finds were recorded during the works. The project team worked closely with consultants and stakeholders to ensure all activities were completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with regulatory requirements.
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Outcomes:
The successful completion of the earthworks programme provided the foundation for the staged development of one of Timaru’s largest retail precincts. By delivering a development-ready site on schedule, Rooney Group enabled the next phase of construction to proceed efficiently and with confidence.
Since completion, the development has attracted several major national retailers, including Countdown’s 3,900m² supermarket, Bunnings Warehouse, Bed Bath & Beyond, Look Sharp, St Pierre’s Sushi, and Black & White Coffee Cartel.
The project has transformed a long-vacant site into a thriving commercial destination, creating employment opportunities, strengthening local economic activity, and providing increased retail choice for the South Canterbury community. Rooney Group is proud to have contributed to a development that will continue to benefit the region for many years to come.
