Birkenhead

By CHARLOTTE CoOSSAR.Now considered the new Devonport, Birkenhead has charm, history and a strong sense of community. It has grown from a small hamlet based round the Chelsea Sugar Works on the prominent site surrounded by lush native bush and parkland at the end of Colonial Rd, and the distinctive building and wharf still dominates the view across the harbour.

Before the sugar works, the area was a wilderness of sporadic farms and embryonic orchards, centred around the handful of houses that huddled above the security of Birkenhead wharf.

The sugar works housing policy played a vital role in the growth of Birkenhead. One hundred and fifty workers built the refinery, with 100 staying on to operate it after 1884. In 1905, many of the workers' houses were either demolished or moved elsewhere in Birkenhead, however, a number of them still stand in Rugby and Mokoia Rds.

The combination of housing loans and limited employment made Birkenhead seem like a company town to many sugar workers and this contributed to a feeling of neighbourliness, which still exists today among its eclectic mix of residents.

WHY BIRKENHEAD?

With a population of more than 25,000 Birkenhead offers residents a choice of good schools, a variety of housing styles, lush bush, and close proximity to the sea, the central business district and other areas of the North Shore.

It has a village atmosphere and a sense of community and, by comparison with other suburbs on the Shore, Birkenhead still represents value for money.

Being close to the city (less than 10 minutes to downtown Auckland, Ponsonby or Herne Bay in non-peak hour traffic), this suburb has been quietly appreciating in popularity as more Aucklanders discover its excellent housing, reserves and bush walks.

It is a 12-minute drive to Massey University's Albany campus, a five-minute drive to AUT's Akoranga campus and close to Northcote College, Birkenhead College, primary schools and day care centres.

HOUSE PRICES

In Birkenhead, it is still possible to buy houses on full sites, townhouses, apartments and terraced houses for between $175,000 and $400,000. However, there are a number of homes with views and top-class amenities that fetch more than $1 million.

The most sought-after locations are those with views, properties fronting the harbour, in locations like Hinemoa St, Palmerston Rd, Wanganella St, Tizard Rd, Bridgeview Tce and Onetaunga Rd in Chatswood. Those seeking more bushy surroundings would find their ideal home in Parkhill Rd, Roseberry Ave, Ridgewood Cr or Kauri Rd.

WHO LIVES HERE?

People moving to the area include young families relocating from central or eastern suburbs, expatriates returning home and immigrants from South Africa, England, America, Europe and Asia.