A $1.5 billion ‘new approach’

a workplace for 5,000 people. Among the tenants are companies like Office Max, DHL, Ford, Mainfreight and NZ Post.

“It is morphing and changing,” says Spence. “Last year we made the decision to build additional high-tech, high-spec warehouses along Highbrook drive, with further office development concentrated at the town centre.”

With the high demand, Spence says Goodman has in the last five years increased its emphasis on build-to- lease developments: “This has a shorter lead time and in this strong market, 90 per cent of buildings are leased within six months of completion.”

“We have technically advanced fibre optic cabling available to all customers as well as environmentally sustainable design principles incorporated into all the buildings.”

While needing to be close to their consumers, logistics companies also demand improved energy efficiencies. To meet this demand Highbrook developments include: • LED lighting • Translucent sheeting allowing daylight harvesting and natural light Lighting split into zones allowing lighting to be either 50 or 100 per cent Low E-type glazing on offices to reduce heat loading and air conditioning costs The re- use of crushed concrete and a goal to recycle 75 per cent of the waste on building sites Over 80 per cent of the 500,000 sq m of rentable space that will ultimately be available at Highbrook is now complete says Spence: “If strong conditions persist, the • • • industrial buildings will largely be done by 2021 with the offices complete in the next five to seven years.”

Two development projects currently underway include the construction of 14 new warehouses at The Gateway and Parade. The Gateway, which consists of seven warehouses between 1485 and 6115 sq m, already has two facilities pre- leased while the Parade (units are between 691 and 958 sq m) has one of its seven under contract.

The estate is a multi- award winner. The original master plan won an award from the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2003 while in 2011 Highbrook received the Property Council New Zealand Supreme Award and Award of Excellence in urban land development.

Many of Highbrook’s individual buildings have also won property awards including the Ford and CourierPost buildings earning Green Star certification.

But while Highbrook will be one of the largest and most advanced business parks in the country, its location next to the Tamaki River gives the development the unique chance to contribute to the community by vesting around 40 hectares of parkland to the city.

Landscapers keep the bike and walking paths in good condition so workers and nearby residents can enjoy the waterside setting