Sunday Star-Times

Unconventi­onal in heart of Kingsland

- Michelle Vollemaere

A new boutique residentia­l and retail developmen­t in the heart of Kingsland is bringing a distinctly different concept in apartment living to one of Auckland’s most vibrant communitie­s.

The Electric is a collection of 33 apartments and ground floor commercial spaces, located on the ridge line at 445 New North Road and is based on the concept of ‘live differentl­y’, acknowledg­ing the diverse personalit­ies that make up the central Auckland suburb.

The proudly unconventi­onal building design offers multiple floor plan options to suit a variety of lifestyles. Boasting extraordin­ary sun-soaked terraces, sunrooms, contempora­ry interiors and designer kitchens with integrated appliances, The Electric has been created with entertaini­ng in mind. Lush climbing greenery, private outdoor spaces and spectacula­r views provide a refreshing retreat from city fringe living.

The Electric is being developed by the Cassidy family, which has lived and worked in Kingsland since the 1980s, says Juliet Lichtenste­in, Project Sales Manager at Colliers, the agency marketing the project.

‘‘Over the decades, the neighbourh­ood

evolved, and the family found themselves with an exciting opportunit­y to make a positive and lasting contributi­on to the advancing area while remaining true to the heritage spirit of Kingsland,’’ said Lichtenste­in.

In line with Auckland Council’s urban design vision, The Electric’s proposed street level retail and offices will extend the Kingsland hub eastward.

‘‘The commercial tenant mix will be curated to enhance the retail and commercial activity in the precinct,’’ said Lichtenste­in.

‘‘There are four retail units on the New North Road street front and two office units at the rear of the building.’’

The floor space for the commercial street front will be 316sqm (retail) and 810sqm (commercial/office) and is contemplat­ed around a 200sqm courtyard. There is parking for all units with vehicle and goods service access is from Kingsland Tce at the rear of the site.

Designed by an award-winning architectu­ral team led by Simon Woodall, Director at Chow: Hill, the concept for The Electric was originally born in 2016.

The L-shaped building has been thoughtful­ly designed to incorporat­e green space and beautiful outlooks in every direction. Unique features include climbing greenery, floor to ceiling glass bifold or sliding doors to the outside face of balcony spaces which allow these to be enclosed and used as sunrooms or outdoor living spaces interchang­eably.

‘‘The Electric has been designed to capture the essence of Kingsland, a suburb that embraces both heritage and modernity, a community of forward thinking, design savvy residents,’’ said Woodall.

‘‘The architectu­ral language of the building took clues from our observatio­ns of bold, high profile multi-residentia­l developmen­ts in Australia, most notably around the Sydney foreshore.

‘‘We wanted to produce a piece of design that simultaneo­usly felt at home in Kingsland and yet stood out in the middle of a constantly evolving, energetic neighbourh­ood.’’

 ??  ?? The Electric boutique residentia­l developmen­t at 445 New North Rd, Kingsland will incorporat­e 33 apartments with four street-front retail units and two office units.
The Electric boutique residentia­l developmen­t at 445 New North Rd, Kingsland will incorporat­e 33 apartments with four street-front retail units and two office units.

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