Big Takapuna lakefront site

The property roughly comprises most of the bush-covered area behind the canoe and rowing building, to the left of Northcote Rd. Photo / Supplied

The sale of over two hectares of land on the foreshore of Lake Pupuke in Takapuna, presents a rare opportunity to buy a large Auckland North Shore lakefront development site.

The property at 2D Northcote Rd is one of the 'trophy' listings in Bayleys' latest Total Property commercial and industrial portfolio, and encompasses about 2.23ha of land on a single freehold title.

Bordered by Northcote Rd and Lake Pupuke, with right of way access off Rangitira Avenue, the property is for sale by tender through Simon Aldridge of Bayleys North Shore Commercial; and Gerald Rundle and James Chan of Bayleys Auckland. Tenders close on May 18 unless the property is sold earlier by negotiation.

The site is part of a 4.8ha block of land between the lake and Taharoto Rd which has its own special precinct overlay zoning under the new, partly-operative Auckland Unitary Plan.

"This zoning is designed to ensure a prime piece of North Shore land is developed in an integrated manner; and it allows for a mix of residential and commercial buildings," says Aldridge.

"The vendor is retaining, and has plans to develop, 2.6ha at the southern end of the land holding, part of which is a former quarry site. He has instructed us to sell the lakefront portion of the block.

"This sale provides a stunning development opportunity with the elevated and sloping nature of the land meaning that it has panoramic views across the lake and out to the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island.

"The property also adjoins the North Shore Canoe Club & North Shore Rowing Club which means it is right on the doorstep of recreational access to Lake Pupuke, as well as the neighbouring Quarry Lake, a long thin lagoon formed by filling up a former council quarry area."

Rundle, Bayleys' manager corporate projects, says the site's special Unitary Plan zoning allows for medium to high density residential development as well as an integrated development such as a retirement village. The zoning also provides for non-residential activities that support the social and economic well-being of the community and which are in keeping with the development anticipated.

The special character and amenity of Lake Pupuke will be protected through a variety of zoning provisions, including the imposition of a 30m lake yard setback. Close to the lake edge, the height of buildings will be limited with only individual dwellings allowed, rather than apartments.

More intensive development up to four storeys high will be permitted further back on the site which should enable the sweeping views to be maximised.

Aldridge says the property's location gives great access to the State Highway 1 northern motorway and public transport systems. It's also positioned between the substantial Takapuna and Milford retail and commercial centres and their beaches.

"Takapuna is one of Auckland's most desirable coastal suburbs; and those properties with
frontage to, or with views of, Lake Pupuke, are considered to be in a premium location and are highly sought after," he says.

Simon Aldridge of Bayleys

Gerald Rundle of Bayleys

James Chan of Bayleys