Oamaru Freezer Building (Historical Building near Humber St Oamaru)

Waitaki District Council is seeking information from parties who may be interested in making use of the Oamaru Freezer Building while also accepting responsibility for undertaking repair, stabilisation and ongoing management of the structure. The building is a Category 2 heritage‑listed structure that was declared dangerous in 2015 and has continued to deteriorate due to weather exposure and lack of maintenance.

Through this Request for Information, Council is exploring whether there is market interest in commercial or community uses for the building or its footprint that could be viably pursued by an external party on the basis that they would be responsible for carrying out the necessary make safe, stabilisation, conservation or potentially clearance works.

Council is not seeking priced proposals or committing to any procurement or disposal process at this stage. Information received will help determine whether there is feasible external interest in taking on the building’s risks and responsibilities, which may influence future Council decisions on management, partnership or potential transfer options.

Council welcomes responses from heritage‑aware developers, community organisations, commercial operators, tourism interests and any party with a viable concept for occupying or utilising the site in a way that aligns with its heritage context and meets safety and regulatory requirements.