Mt Albert site will be high quality: Housing NZ

Real estate agent Anne Duncan wants the scale and type of development on the Mt Albert site limited. Photo / Chris Gorman

Housing New Zealand wants to allay local fears about the development of a big Mt Albert site, saying high-quality places are being planned for the land.

Although no numbers have been confirmed, the community is concerned the development could be a 34-unit site with 80 apartments.

About 100 residents, many with homes worth $1 million-plus, last month met Housing NZ over the issue of 33 Asquith Ave on the Burch St corner, a site declared a special housing area.

Anne Duncan, a real estate agent, said many houses in the area were worth $1.3 million to $1.5 million so she wants the scale and type of development limited and for Housing NZ to consider selling the land.

The Housing NZ spokesman addressed issues of design and density.

"While wary of raising expectations around, or implying commitment to the final form of the development, what we can tell you is that since our last meeting we have commissioned Cheshire Architects to explore master plan options for the site.

"Cheshire have been responsible for some of Auckland's stand-out revitalisation projects of recent years, including the Britomart Precinct and the City Works Depot," the spokesman said.

"Commissioning them for this initial master-planning exercise reflects our desire to achieve development and urban design outcomes that are sensitive to the surrounding environment," he said.

"In addition to meeting our requirement for better utilisation of the land, the master plan will consider a low-medium density architectural response to the concerns recorded through our inter-actions with the community to date, including the stone wall and protected trees.

"Once these initial plans have been put together, we look forward to sharing them with you and the local community," he said.

Last month, Housing New Zealand chief executive Glen Sowry said no exact numbers were planned.

Housing NZ had twice met residents and had noted the community's concerns and desires and demolition of existing buildings would likely not take place until the new year.