New Bedford is gearing up for a transformative project that promises to reshape part of the Whaling City Golf Course into a bustling high-tech business park. This development is set to create between 800 and 1,000 permanent jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
The course, a staple since 1947, will see 95 acres sold to Boston’s Charter Development Co. for $1.85 million. While the deal is still under negotiation, the vision for an “advanced manufacturing campus” is clear. It’s projected to cover 1.1 million square feet across several large parcels and is expected to generate a hefty $2.5 million in annual property taxes, alongside an impressive $500 million in private investment.
In addition to permanent jobs, the project anticipates the creation of 650 to 800 construction jobs. The New Bedford City Council, along with Mayor Jon Mitchell’s administration, is fully behind the proposal, with unanimous votes paving the way for negotiations on the purchase and sale agreement.
Phase 1 of the development will kick off with 600,000 square feet of building space on 40 acres, including a new road off Hathaway Road. Phase 2 will follow with another 500,000 square feet. Charter has committed to the city’s New Bedford Works policy, ensuring local contractors and labor are prioritized.
The site presents some challenges, notably a 100-foot elevation difference, which requires significant earthwork. Charter’s expertise in civil construction and environmental remediation will be key in overcoming these hurdles. The company plans to regrade 300,000 cubic yards of material, with a portion being removed from the site.
During construction, the golf course will remain operational, albeit with a temporary reduction to nine holes. It will eventually be restored to a full 18-hole course with some new additions. The city will fund the golf course modifications, while Charter and state grants will cover infrastructure costs.
This project has been a decade in the making, supported by grants from MassDevelopment and the Healey-Driscoll Administration. Charter’s track record with similar projects across Massachusetts bodes well for New Bedford’s ambitious plans. The new campus aims to support both established industries and emerging sectors like biotech and clean energy, positioning the city as a hub for innovation and growth.