Mixing the old with the new
Ground work has begun on a mixed-use complex which incorporates an old Auckland landmark.
Skhy Two, which is being built at the top of Khyber Pass Rd, will feature 48 apartments, commercial and retail space.
It follows the sold-out release of 30 apartments in the first stage of Skhy building in April last year.
Will Coates, of Colliers International which is marketing the apartments, says his company and the developers were keen to dispel perceptions that high density meant poorly produced neighbourhoods.
The aim was to ‘‘create a small community’’ by combining old and new buildings, a mixed-use trend which he believed would become more common in Auckland.
A key feature of the complex already is the re-use of the Winstone Centre office tower, which was used for the first stage of the project.
The 14-storey office block was originally the headquarters of concrete construction giant Winstone Group and remains one of Auckland’s highest vantage points.
Architects stripped back the tower to unlock spacious open planning and generous terraces with city views.
‘‘The tower itself can be seen from all parts of the city,’’ Coates said.
Andrew Lamont, a director of the developers Lamont & Co, said the area provided a strong mix of creative business, quality living and fun places.
‘‘We love the character streetscape and its transforming face with more and more people choosing to live and work here,’’ he said.
The project is due to be completed by the end of 2018.