Airpark project gets ready for takeoff
A substantial block of bare land in a recreational airport and lifestyle subdivision has been placed on the market.
The 26.8ha property on the northwestern outskirts of Hamilton is part of the privately-owned and operated Te Kowhai Airpark, established by microlight creator Max Clear in 1967 and expanded until his death in 2011.
Clear founded Micro Aviation NZ and designed and built 354 Bantam microlight aircraft, many of which were exported around the world. With its flat grass runway, Te Kowhai Airpark hosted New Zealand's first aviation trade show shortly before Clear's death.
The developed portion of Te Kowhai Airpark’s airfield consists of adjoining aircraft hangars, many of which are tenanted.
The bigger hangars contain about 1000sq m of fully enclosed warehouse-style areas encompassing workshops, offices, lounges and storerooms leased to a variety of tenants, many of whom have privately-owned aircraft housed there. BP leases and operates an aviation fuel facility on the property.
Development of housing is the next stage for the airpark. It will involve four precincts, encompassing the runway, a commercial area for the hangars and workshops, 39 medium-density residential plots and 70 larger sections. All precincts have taxiway connections to the grass runway.
The landholding for sale comprises the two residential precincts. The first portion of 21.4ha has been set aside for the development of 70 larger sections ranging from 1000-5000sq m, while the second portion of 5.4ha has been set aside for the development of 39 sections ranging from 350-2000sq m.
The property at 172 and 178 Limmer Rd in Te Kowhai is classified Te Kowhai Airpark zone under the Waikato District Council plan. It is being marketed for sale by expression of interest through Bayleys Hamilton and Bayleys Auckland, with offers closing on August 17.
Salespeople David Cashmore, Gerald Rundle and Rebecca Bruce say it embraces the latest evolution in Kiwi lifestyle living.
“Over the decades we’ve seen golf resort residential developments such as Kinloch in Taupo, Millbrook in Queenstown, and Gulf Harbour in Auckland with homes overlooking the fairways and greens.
“Then came canal and waterway developments such as Marsden Bay in Northland, Pauanui in Coromandel and The Waterways in Whitianga where homeowners can moor their launches off jetties at the end of the garden.
“Most recently we’ve seen the evolution of the motor enthusiast residential complex at Hampton Downs,” said Cashmore. “Te Kowhai Airpark is the next chapter, where aviation activities and residential opportunities can co-exist.”