New Neighbourhood

New development offers 102 apartments in the centre of Northcote, writes Donna McIntyre

Part of the publicity for Northcote’s new Fraser Ave development includes talk of the North Shore suburb being the “next Grey Lynn for first home buyers”.

The reason is it’s close to the CBD, Takapuna, Smales Farm, Devonport and northern beaches. And Northcote’s town centre is earmarked for renewal, to become a hub of eateries, shops and public places.

Pete Evans, national director of residential marketing at Colliers International (which is selling the Fraser Ave apartment) says established city fringe suburb Northcote is going through a transformation.

“Being able to buy new apartments so close to the city with cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, speciality stores and transport all within walking distance at affordable prices isn’t common in Auckland,” he says.

“New infrastructure such as the new Green Way under construction will connect Fraser Ave to existing and new parks and to Northcote’s town centre.

“Fraser Ave is not only attractive for first home buyers, due to its location and growth potential, but it has also been planned to appeal to a wide range of owner occupiers.

“It is a community with one third of the apartments on ground level having extensive terraces, while all residents will be able to access the landscaped village green and bike storage.”

The 102 freehold apartments, at 38 Fraser Ave, Northcote, will occupy five buildings on the 7893sq m block defined by Fraser Ave, Tonar St, Mowai and Koeke Rds.

The mix is for 72 KiwiBuild new homes for qualifying first home buyers and 30 market new homes facing north, east or west.

Height is capped at three storeys, and about one third of the site is landscaped. There will be 15 three-bedroom units, 51 with two bedrooms, 27 one-bedroom apartments, and nine studios.

Ninety-five carparks will be available on a first come first served basis. The development replaces old state houses.

Studios start in price from $370k, one-bedrooms from $470k, two-bedrooms from $580k and three bedrooms from $650k.

Construction started two months ago and it’s

estimated that owners will be able to start moving in by October next year.

Evans says buyer interest is coming from local and North Shore residents. “They did not think that they would be able to get a new apartment with superb local amenity this close to the city at such affordable prices.

“The interest is primarily from owner-occupiers who are empty-nesters, baby boomers, young professional couples and singles.”

The buildings have been designed by Kevin Brewer, of Brewer Davidson Architecture. Shane Brealey is the sole director of developer/builder NZ Living, formed for the Fraser Ave project. His other projects include Mason Square in Otahuhu and 340 Onehunga Mall in Onehunga.

Evans says NZ Living is committed to building solid, long-lasting buildings. “Most new homes today are built with timber and have various cladding materials that require significant maintenance over the years. NZ Living builds with solid materials that require an absolute minimum of maintenance.

“There is a reinforced concrete slab at each floor level and at roof level, with all inter-tenancy and external walls constructed from reinforced solid concrete block.

“Concrete blocks and brick are used extensively along with aluminium wall cladding and double glazing to all windows and sliding doors. This will provide superior acoustic and thermal qualities.”

Evans says NZ Living’s aim is “to build better quality, faster and at less cost for our homes’ purchasers”.