A nearly 7,000-square metre greenfield site for sale offers residential and commercial developers a stake in a new master-planned community in a leading North Auckland growth hotspot.
The freehold landholding is at the entrance of the 84-hectare Ara Hills project, which is giving rise to a new village-based community on the edge of the booming seaside haven of Orewa.
Identified by city planners for urban development, the vacant lot now on offer is poised for rezoning for intensive residential and commercial uses – creating opportunities to build townhouse or apartment complexes, along with cafes, retail and – subject to consent – childcare facilities.
Located a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Orewa, the land’s gentle-sloping nature supports flexible design options in a location where multi-storey construction could unlock attractive sea views. Its position, moments from the Northern Motorway, supports easy north and southbound connections, including to Auckland’s CBD around 30 minutes to the south.
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The freehold land at Lot 1002, Ara Hills, Orewa, is being marketed for sale by Ben Clare and Alex Perigo of Bayleys Silverdale.
Sale is by way of a tender closing on Thursday 11th May, unless the property is sold earlier.
Perigo said the offering consisted of an approximately 6,972-square metre fee simple corner site with wide frontage to Ara Hill Drive and Grand Drive.
Currently zoned Future Urban under the Auckland Unitary Plan, the site is expected to be rezoned to Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings, the most intensive pure residential zoning.
“This zoning comes with a building height allowance of 16 metres, which would enable development of multistorey housing or mixed-use buildings. It would also allow a developer to maximise value by realising the potential for sweeping sea views over the Hauraki Gulf from upper levels.
“In addition to intensive housing in the form of townhouses and apartments, permitted activities will include cafes and small-scale retail. Subject to consent, a new childcare facility catering to the growing needs of families moving into the Ara Hills community is another possibility.
“A number of neighbouring sites have already been rezoned and developed at Ara Hills, which is now home to 150 residents with 60 homes complete,” Perigo said.
Ara Hills is a master-planned project creating a village-based community with a range of housing types including apartments, terraced houses, and standalone homes on compact or large sections.
The project is being progressed by ASX-listed residential property developer AVJennings, which is also behind Auckland’s master-planned Hobsonville Point township.
Clare said Ara Hills would feature clusters of new standalone homes, terrace homes and apartments – offering multiple designs suited to a variety of lifestyles, within green and open space areas.
“Ara Hills’ peaceful semi-rural setting offers residents a relaxed lifestyle, yet the community is handy to the amenities of Orewa and within easy reach of the big-city attractions of Auckland.
“On its eastern boundary, the site borders State Highway 1 and it is directly accessible from a motorway exit. To the west, the 128-hectare Nukumea Reserve provides an attractive green backdrop of native bush,” said Clare.
The surrounding area was seeing a boom in development activity to support ongoing population growth, he said.
“Originally a beach suburb and retirement area, Orewa is an established town which in recent years has developed into a growth hotspot that is a magnet for families looking for lifestyle options.
“The local population has soared by around 20 percent since the 2013 census and 40 percent since 2006, to over 10,000, making it one of the fastest growing areas in Auckland,” said Clare.
Perigo said recent expansion was being led by large greenfield developments, including Ara Hills – the rapid rise and success of which illustrated the huge potential for the site for sale.
“With easy access to shopping, entertainment, and recreational facilities, Ara Hills offers an attractive balance of city and country living and is one of the most desirable locations in North Auckland for both residential and commercial development.
“The area boasts an excellent school district, with a number of highly rated primary and secondary schools nearby, making it an ideal location for families.
“For businesses, there are a number of commercial amenities in the surrounding area, including the Silverdale Business Park, which is home to a range of businesses from manufacturing to IT services, and the Orewa commercial district, which offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants,” Perigo said.
- Article supplied by Bayleys
