Big site overlooking Pupuke
Alarge land block on the waterfront of Takapuna’s Lake Pupuke is being offered to the market as a residential development site. Within one of Auckland’s most tightly held residential suburbs, the 2.2ha landholding on Northcote Rd, Takapuna, has been owned by a single family since 1958. Colliers International is marketing the freehold site for sale by deadline private treaty closing at 4pm on Thursday 8 November, unless it sells earlier.
Shoneet Chand of Colliers’ North Shore office says it is an opportunity to acquire prime lakefront development land. “After remaining in family ownership for more than 60 years, the vendors have decided to sell and have asked us to present all offers.
“This substantial landholding is centrally positioned on the North Shore, close to Takapuna and Milford beaches and minutes from the motorway interchange.
“It is a short walk from Takapuna town centre, which offers abundant shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities. More than 50 bars, cafes and restaurants are nestled among the boutique shops, national retailers and offices that make up Takapuna’s main commercial strip.
“Other amenities in the area include North Shore Hospital, numerous specialist medical facilities, sports clubs and some of Auckland’s best schools.”
The 22,343sq m site is zoned for significant residential development under the Auckland Unitary Plan.
Jason Seymour of Colliers’ Capital Markets team says the Smales 2 Precinct applies to a 4.8ha block of land on the southern side of Northcote Road, fronting Lake Pupuke.
“The southwestern end of the site, a former quarry, is zoned for commercial development. The vendors are retaining ownership of this land. The northeastern end of the site, which comprises the lakefront land for sale, is zoned for mixed suburban housing.
“Sub-precinct planning rules aim to encourage co-ordinated development of quality, intensive housing that takes advantage of the site’s lakefront aspect. They also aim to retain the special character and amenity of Lake Pupuke, with minimum setbacks, height controls and density along the lakefront edge of the site.”
Developers will need to prepare a concept plan at a sub-precinct level before land use, development or subdivision can begin.
“The vendor is open to flexible terms to give the new owner time to carry out the planning and consenting process,” Seymour says.
Richard Kirke, of Colliers’ Capital Markets team, says Takapuna is a desirable coastal location with easy motorway access, a great lifestyle and many vibrant businesses.
“Vacancy is at an all-time low, due to the suburb’s mix of business and leisure, which make it a desirable place to live and work.”
The property is a short drive from Auckland CBD at off-peak times, while main arterial and public transport routes along nearby Taharoto Rd offer easy access to the rest of the North Shore.
“Lake Pupuke is a picturesque recreational destination between the affluent North Shore suburbs of Takapuna and Milford,” Kirke says. “The freshwater lake is within a volcanic basin, formed some 150,000 years ago.
“Popular activities on the lake include rowing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, diving and fishing.”
The North Shore Canoe Club and Rowing Club occupy clubrooms at the end of Northcote Rd, next to the site for sale. Parks and walkways are dotted along the lakefront, including Henderson Park, Sylvan Park and Kitchener Park.
Another attraction is the Pumphouse Theatre, in Killarney Park, which occupies an old brick pumphouse that once provided water to the area from Lake Pupuke.
Attractions in the wider Takapuna area include the Takapuna Night Market, indoor and outdoor theatre, and Takapuna beach.
Auckland Council is committed to Takapuna’s growth, with the Unitary Plan earmarking the suburb for priority investment over the next 10 years.
The Takapuna Business Association is also a strong advocate for local business, driving a number of redevelopment projects and initiatives. It supports and funds community events and initiatives that have injected life into the coastal suburb.
Public and private investment aims to cement Takapuna as a vibrant business, retail and residential centre.