One of the few remaining large properties on Central Park Drive in West Auckland has been placed on the market, with accommodative zoning opening up multiple options for its future use.
The 4.35ha site at 80 Central Park Drive, Henderson, is being marketed by Brent McGregor and Jonathan Ogg of CBRE and is for sale by deadline private treaty closing at 4pm on Friday April 3, unless sold prior.
The sprawling freehold site has two street access points, from Central Park Drive and Clemway Place, and has been the home of Laidlaw College, a national Christian tertiary education institute, for over 60 years.
Laidlaw, which also operates campuses in Manukau and Christchurch, recently acquired the former Waitakere City Council headquarters in Henderson and intends to relocate its main campus to the new site. In the interim, Laidlaw will continue operating at 80 Central Park Drive.
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The property is now being offered to a new owner, with holding income under a new lease to Laidlaw. The site’s mixed-use zoning, with an education overlay, opens up a wide range of possibilities, says McGregor.
“This mixed-use zoned property is situated in an outstanding location and offers a truly substantial holding, which is rare in this well-established area. It remains suitable for educational use but also offers significant potential for large-scale residential, commercial or mixed-use development.”
With strong population growth trends in Henderson and commercial & infrastructure development in the wider West Auckland area continuing apace, the site is expected to be highly attractive to both investors and developers, Ogg says.
“Auckland Council is committed to Henderson’s growth, with the unitary plan earmarking the area for priority investment over the next decade as a business and residential destination. West Auckland already benefits from the Western Ring Route including the Waterview tunnel and State Highway 18 connection to Albany, as well as the Westgate regional town centre.”
The site includes several buildings purpose-built for Laidlaw College, including student accommodation, lecture rooms and a café. It also features plenty of on-site parking and an expansive lawn area with mature trees and gardens.
A modern, two-level main building, constructed in 2005 with a north-facing glass façade and high ceilings, houses a library and common spaces.
The site is tucked away from main roads making it a quiet spot for educational or residential activities, yet is still located in close proximity to the Lincoln Rd commercial strip, says McGregor.
“This property is well-located within easy reach of the local metropolitan centre, with many amenities nearby including Henderson town centre, Lincoln Road retail and West Auckland’s health precinct. Henderson’s location close to the Waitakere Ranges and West Coast beaches, along with its quick access to the city centre, make it a highly attractive place for businesses and residents.”
The Henderson-Massey area was home to 118,422 residents in 2018, an increase of 10% since 2013. This rate of population growth is on par with wider Auckland and growth is expected to continue, according to Auckland Council.
The property is located close to State Highway 16 and has two railway stations within 3.5km, Ogg says.
“The City Rail Link project will result in an additional platform at Henderson Station, to facilitate CBD services every 15 minutes and a projected peak travel time of 35 minutes into the central city.”
Along with upgrades to State Highway 16 which have reduced road travel times to the city centre, a possible future rapid bus service from Henderson to Constellation Drive in Albany has also been mooted.
The site is located across the road from Trusts Arena and the immediate locality is also home to a large Ryman Healthcare retirement village currently under construction, as well as supermarkets, large-format retail, childcare centres and food outlets.
In addition to WestCity mall, the Waitakere Mega Centre and the Westgate shopping centre are also within easy reach of the property, says Ogg.
