Mount Albert is set to get a landmark new apartment building, its architectural design and quality chosen to superbly showcase a new Auckland residential development business launched by an already successful major construction chief.
Developers Portus commissioned acclaimed architects Warren & Mahoney to design Albert Square, a two-building, 38-apartment development of 1-3-bedroom residences 300m north of Mt Albert Train Station.
“Albert Square has been conceived to be a flagship development, setting a very high benchmark to flag what the standard of Portus developments will be like as we go forward,” Portus managing director Anthony Leighs says.
Twenty per cent of Albert Square’s residences have already sold off the plans, with buyers praising its quality and value for money compared to other apartment developments in surrounding suburbs.
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A one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is priced from $755,000 with a free Vespa or ebike* (*conditions apply); a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit from $995,000; two-bedroom, two-bathroom plus carpark from $1.12 million; three-bedroom, two-bathroom plus two carparks from $2.195m.
For the last 27 years Leighs has run Leighs Construction, which specialises in large social infrastructure work, building many significant New Zealand buildings including hospitals, universities and schools.
Residentially, Portus has already developed and re-constructed Christchurch’s Riverside Apartments overlooking Hagley Park.
Albert Square in Mt Albert, Auckland will be the flagship residential development for Portus. Photo / Supplied
“We’re moving into the residential sphere around transport hubs because there’s a real need for it and we have the skills and scale to do it extremely well,” Leighs says.
“Leighs Construction has worked with Warren & Mahoney many times before and I believe the standard of architecture and the timelessness of design of Albert Square are superb. Everything from the individual apartment’s layout to the quality of the finishes has been very well considered. The location is fantastic from the point of view of community, accessibility and amenity.”
It is around 5km from Auckland’s CBD, on train and bus routes and in zone for Mount Albert Grammar School just over 10 minutes’ walk away.
The development is comprised of two buildings with apartments sitting above a landscaped raised podium, meaning they can all take the best advantage of connections to the outdoors. All apartments will have usable balconies or courtyards. Additional communal courtyard gardens between and around the buildings will nurture a sense of community.
At the northernmost end of Albert Square will be The North Collection. This boutique-sized, four-storey building will offer just eight apartments with either two or three bedrooms, each enjoying all-day sun and uninterrupted views to the north.
The apartments sit above a landscaped raised podium and they will all have usable balconies or courtyards. Photo / Supplied
Portus commissioned architects Warren & Mahoney to design Albert Square, a two-building, 38-apartment complex. Photo / Supplied
Inside and out, these apartments are Albert Square’s largest available, coming with a correspondingly higher level of specification. White textured brick will be used prominently in the 30-residence streetside building of one and two-bedroom apartments. Many of these will also have impressive northerly views. Two commercial tenancies will flank its sophisticated entry lobby.
Comprehensive apartment specifications include full kitchen and laundry Miele appliances and heating and air-conditioning. Most apartments come with one or two carparks and there will also be dedicated bike and scooter spaces.
Albert Square will be built by Leighs Construction, targeting a Homestar 8 rating and delivered with a comprehensive building warranty. It’s scheduled to be completed by late 2023.
Barfoot & Thompson agent Carl Watkins, who is marketing the complex with James Ju, says: “These are very highly specced, sensational apartments which will appeal to many dedicated ‘Albertians’ ranging from first-home buyers to those who want to downsize from larger properties in the area.”
The display suite at 847 New North Road opens Saturday and Sunday at 12-1pm or view by appointment; visit albertsq.co.nz.
– Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson
