Development Opportunities
A well-sited greenfield campus, two commuter rail districts, a lively downtown with cobblestone streets, and other infill sites provide development opportunities for a wide range of use and scale development project as New Bedford emerges as a metropolitan center for the South Coast of Massachusetts.
Advanced Manufacturing Campus
TOD Districts
Downtown & Waterfront
Infill Sites
If you need further assistance for potential development opportunities of any scale, require information on state and local incentive programs, or if you would like to set up a tour, please email Jessica Trombly, Director of Business Development, Communications and Special Projects.
Advanced Manufacturing Campus
In the spring of 2022, the City of New Bedford will seek development proposals for a new 100-acre advanced manufacturing campus on a portion of the municipal golf course located at the strategic intersection of I-195 and Route 140. The site has tremendous infrastructure capacity, has an adjacent rail line, and is within minutes of the New Bedford Regional Airport. View the RFP here.
For more information on this project and the RFP process, please email Jessica Trombly, Director of Business Development, Communications and Special Projects.
TOD Districts
With the South Coast Rail project restoring commuter rail service to Southeastern Massachusetts for the first time since the 1950s and creating two new stations in the City of New Bedford, planning for new development that compliments the rail is a top priority. Our “Transit-Oriented Development” or “TOD” Districts will encourage investments that includes a mixture of housing, office, and retail integrated into a walkable neighborhood, located within a half-mile of the “Church Street” and “Whales Tooth” Opportunity Zone commuter rail stations.
For more information on this project and the RFP process, please email Anne Louro, Planning Department, City of New Bedford
Downtown & Waterfront
New Bedford’s downtown and central waterfront are home to the City’s vibrant and sometimes edgy arts and culture scene. The Whaling National Historical Park, the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, and dozens of shops, galleries, and eateries can be found in this designated Opportunity Zone. Buildings and parcels are still available for creative residential, hospitality, and mixed-used projects that add to our sense of community for residents and visitors alike.
For more information on buildings, sites, spaces for lease, and special incentives, please email Jessica Trombly, Director of Business Development, Communications and Special Projects.
Infill Sites
New retail focused development proposals can find a suitable site here in New Bedford. Privately owned sites with confirming zoning, good transportation access, and frontage are available—especially for moderate to mid-sized projects. The City is ready to support and efficiently permit thoughtful and well-designed projects that benefit the immediate neighborhood and community as a whole. Below is a sampling of currently available opportunities.
For more information on these and other sites, please email Jessica Trombly, Director of Business Development, Communications and Special Projects.
Former Goodyear Site
Located in a dense neighborhood of the city’s coastal south end, close to supermarkets and other amenities, this site is available for a variety of uses.
- Orchard Street & Bolton Street at Swift Street
- Approximately 8 acres
- Zoned Mixed Use Business
- Available for sale or lease
Former Building 19 Site
Centrally located in a prime commercially dense hub with great highway access and adjacent to other critical city investment projects, this site has excellent potential for a big box or high-volume retail location.
- 19 Hathaway Road
- Approximately 14 acres
- Zoned Industrial B
- Available for ground lease or lease build to suit
Former Glaser Glass
Centered in the Innovation District and a short walk to the historic downtown and future commuter rail platform, this site has a unique opportunity for transformative projects, including residential.
- 1265 Purchase Street
- Approximately 1 acre
- Zoned Mixed Use
- Available for sale
