Magnificent development opportunity

Cleared flat land, native bush and stunning views in a semirural location at the gateway to Wellington City, Porirua basin and Hutt Valley sum up the appeal of an unique development opportunity in Whitby.

The 11.7-hectare property, at 72 Exploration Way, includes 5.3ha of residential zoned land and the potential to open up more flat land with water and rural views.

‘‘This is a magnificent opportunity for someone else to build upon our vision for a high-value eco-development with a strong community feel that’s incredibly connected to city living,’’ developer David Harpham says.

He and his wife, Sheryn, and their son, Basil, set up Progeni to develop the site on the high ground behind Whitby.

Although the family are passionate about their plans, they think a bigger developer may be able to make even more of the site.

As well as overlooking the suburb renowned for its walkways, waterways and warmer weather, it can offer views of the Pauatahanui Inlet and will enjoy direct access via the Waitangirua Link Road to the soon-to-open Transmission Gully.

‘‘Most of it is bush covered slopes but the two hectares of residential zoned flat cleared land is a rare commodity in Wellington,’’ David says.

‘‘If someone was to undertake more earthworks, it would open up the views even further and a lot more flat land.

‘‘The result would be an exclusive enclave that ticks all the boxes: a beautiful village lifestyle surrounded by native bush and birdsong with great views and sunshine.

‘‘All this with quick access to Porirua, Wellington, the Hutt Valley and the Kapiti Coast.’’

Resource consent has been approved for the first of three stages. The six lifestyle lots off Banks Blvd in this stage range in size from 1300sqm metres to more than 6300sqm.

‘‘A new developer might choose to make a quick start with these first sites, selling them individually or as houseand-land packages,’’ Jane

Mather, of Collective National, says.

Resource consent is being sought for stage two, which comprises 43 building sites of between 420sqm and 3400sqm for larger homes.

‘‘Because this stage is still before council, there’s scope to increase the number of these sites or provide for later sites by planning more earthworks,’’ Mather says.

‘‘There’s also that will offer possibilities.’’

She says the opportunity is an amazing chance for a developer to capitalise on everything the Harphams have already done and hit the ground running with a project that’s well advanced but needs more resources to fully realise its potential.

‘‘It may even appeal to a collective of buyers seeking the ultimate lifestyle destination on the doorstep of Whitby’s shops, services and schools while being within a short drive of central Wellington.’’ a third even

First stage more

A property file will be provided to prospective purchasers for the whole development block on receipt of a signed confidentiality agreement.