Special zoning creates possibilities at big Kingseat block

The infrastructure at 833 Kingseat Rd supports 58-plus houses, villas and units as well as commercial space. Photo / Supplied

A big block of picturesque South Auckland land with a wide range of existing buildings and amenities is up for sale, offering a variety of future development options.

The 58.6ha site at 833 Kingseat Rd, Kingseat, near Karaka and some of New Zealand's top equestrian facilities, houses a number of residential and commercial tenants, including the Spookers entertainment facility.

The property is for sale as part of Bayleys' latest Total Property portfolio through John Algie and Nigel McNeill of Bayleys Auckland and Shane Snijder of Bayleys Manukau.

Tenders close on September 30.

McNeill says the property, which once operated as Kingseat Hospital, comes with existing infrastructure to support its commercial and residential tenants and is producing a significant income.

"We've had several interested parties attracted by the development potential of the land. They are looking at improving the current income from the 58-plus houses, villas and units on the site, plus leasing up more of the commercial space as holding income so they can formulate plans for redevelopment.

"Any further development would be made easier because of the site's significant infrastructure from its sealed and kerbed road through to power reticulation, bore water supply, sewerage treatment plant and street lighting. The fully landscaped property also comes with sports fields, a swimming pool and tennis courts."

McNeill says the land is unique in that it comes with its own zoning, the Kingseat Special Zone. This allows for a range of applications from residential activities through to agricultural uses, schools, universities, technical colleges, hospitals, tourist accommodation, retirement villages, equestrian centres and sporting or recreational facilities.

"Under its existing zoning, this site may be able to be subdivided into 4000sq m lifestyle blocks which would provide owners with a large block to build a lovely rural home and garden on without the hassle of livestock. This sized lifestyle block is common in the Karaka area.

"The site adjoins the Puhitahi Creek which feeds the Manukau Harbour."

McNeill says Karaka is an increasingly popular area for those wanting to live in a rural-residential setting and the Kingseat property has neighbours who occupy some of New Zealand's highest-value rural land.

The site's northern boundary adjoins what the Franklin District Council has identified as a Village Countryside Living Zone under a proposed rural plan change. This will ultimately be a growth node designated to be developed to provide lifestyle amenities to the wealthy, growing population of the Franklin District. It allows for the provision of a new rural village comprising a mixture of uses including retail, business, residential and sporting facilities.

The council's district growth strategy identifies sufficient land to accommodate a projected population of 109,000 people in the Franklin District by 2051. Future growth will be accommodated through infill housing and redevelopment in existing urban areas, greenfield development and rural living.

"Being part of the fourth-largest rural village in the district, it will ultimately perform the role of servicing its surrounding rural area along with its own population," says McNeill.

Pukekohe, the main centre of Franklin District, is 22km away from the property and the site is about a 4-minute drive from downtown Auckland.