Developers sought for Waitemata waterfront precincts

Developers sought for Waitemata waterfront precincts at Hobsonville Point.

Landmark Auckland waterfront property is part of Hobsonville Land Company’s latest release of development precincts for which it is seeking development partners.

The Landing at Hobsonville Point, an historic piece of Waitemata waterfront, once home to Flying Boat air services to the Pacific, is one of four development lots within the three precincts coming to market.

Now home to the Hobsonville Point Farmers Market and ferry services to Auckland city, The Landing retains historic buildings, as well as offering a very rare opportunity for mixed-use commercial and residential development on the harbour’s edge.

The three precincts cover some 10.45 hectares overlooking the upper reaches of the Waitemata Harbour - encompassing the opportunity for building medium and high density housing as well as a mix of commercial, retail and hospitality buildings. The mixed-use residential and commercial precincts have the potential to create more than 500 new homes in total.

As well as The Landing, the other two precincts are Sunderland B, Sunderland C. Sunderland B is in two development lots. The development precincts are being sold by Hobsonville Land Company Limited (HLC), the lead developer of Hobsonville Point.

The Landing is a 1.8 hectare waterfront site that will become the social hub of Hobsonville Point, with a mix of residential, retail, hospitality, niche commercial and community uses. The land is capable of accommodating a range of residential offerings and up to 8700 square metres of other commercial and retail uses.

Sunderland B contains two adjoining development parcels of 1.79 hectares and 3.37 hectares, totalling 5.16 hectares, and is suited to medium density residential development for between 118 and 245 new residential dwellings.

Sunderland C is a 3.49 hectare neighbourhood with zoning for medium to high density housing. The precinct will be home to between 131 and 214 new residential dwellings along with up to 10,000 square metres of commercial and retail development.

Marketing of the four development parcels is being undertaken by Bayleys Real Estate through a registration of interest process that closes on February 18, 2015. Bayleys Real Estate managing director Mike Bayley said development bids were welcome for any of the four parcels individually , or in any combination for some or all of the neighbourhoods.

Each precinct offers a unique development opportunity. However, The Landing represents a harbour edge development opportunity of significant scale on the Waitemata waterfront.

The Landing already attracts around 8,000 visitors each weekend to the Hobsonville Point Farmers Market, and is the departure and arrival point for a commuter ferry service to the CBD from a new wharf.

"The site has consent for a 40-berth marina, which a developer may choose to take advantage of," said Mr Bayley.

The precinct is a mix of aviation-related and WWII heritage buildings, along with open space. Most of the heritage buildings will need to be retained and reconfigured. More than half of the land can be developed for new buildings, including medium rise buildings up to 10 storeys.

"Hobsonville Land Company is keen to partner with a suitable developer who can ensure a zoning that supports the purchaser’s development intentions as well as the historic and character nature of the precinct," said Mr Bayley.

"Sunderland C’s adjacency to The Landing with outstanding water views and north-facing aspect, made it also one of Hobsonville Point’s premium development opportunities. Its zoning allows for a great deal of flexibility in density planning, including commercial and retail activities. Sunderland C will become Hobsonville Point’s village centre," said Mr Bayley.

Sunderland C includes four existing, substantial waterfront homes, a set of ex army barracks and a flying boat hangar. In addition the existing parade oval provides 4300 square metres of public green space, supporting the opportunity for residential development density to its edge.

Hobsonville Land Company commercial manager Mark Fraser said that with the community at Hobsonville Point now firmly established, the opportunity to create important commercial and social hubs for the township, as well as new residential precincts, represented some of the southern hemisphere’s flagship urban development projects.