An artist's impression of centre buildings against their rural backdrop. Pictures/Supplied
An artist's impression of centre buildings against their rural backdrop. Pictures/Supplied
Leasing and selling has begun for Kaukapakapa Village Centre, a mixed use development 40 minutes north-west of the Auckland CBD.
Last week the ground has been broken for the development at the northern end of the country settlement and Century 21 Crow Realty, Kaukapakapa, is to be the exclusive leasing and sales agent.
Owner Dave Crow says the fast-growing Kaukapakapa community has been crying out for a retail village of this scale.
"Much time and effort went into the centre design, the architect Jasmax ensuring a stylish development to reflect the country setting," says Crow.
"Using quality finishing materials, the entire concept was reviewed by Auckland Council's Urban Design Panel - which had extensive input. Occupants and residents alike will be proud of how it looks and the vibrancy it's going to bring."
Crow says Kaukapakapa's future prospects are boosted by the fact that it sits on SH16, Auckland's only alternative route north.
The village centre development will only help to make the historic country village more of a destination. "What's more, Kaukapakapa is not far from Helensville and only 20 minutes from SH1 and significant population growth in the likes of Silverdale.
"We're seeing more nearby lifestyle properties, plus there are several subdivisions under way with the main one being 51 residential sections on the corner of SH16 and Peak Rd. "
The village centre offers retail shops, offices with apartments above, a supermarket and an already-leased service station to be open early in the second quarter of 2017.
Aerial view of the location of the proposed centre at Kaukapakapa. Pictures/Supplied
He says the already granted resource consent also allows for licensed premises such as a cafe, restaurant or bar. As well as the service station, Stage 1 of the village development is to include four commercial spaces with three of them also now leased for a real estate office, pharmacy and medical suite.
They are due for completion by July next year, while significantly, an offer to purchase both of the two apartments in Stage 1 has already been received.
The development's smallest commercial unit is 63sq m.
The largest is the 530sq m supermarket space, which four parties are currently considering.
Crow says the best opportunity to secure a commercial lease or buy an apartment is in Stage 2, due for completion in 2018.
Expressions of interest have been received in relation to the cafe/bar, bakery/delicatessen, a liquor store, and for two of the remaining 10 apartments in Stage 2.
"We have the option of selling a few less apartments and having a motel as part of the village instead. This has real appeal given the shortage of accommodation in the wider north-west area."
A feature of the design will be made of the stormwater pond, available for local firefighting efforts. The pond will include feature bridges to a central pontoon which its designers anticipate could be used for bands to play from or even weddings.
The cafe/bar and potentially motel units will open on to or overlook the pond.
"Kaukapakapa is a much-loved country village which is only going to get better and become more popular. This new village centre will give Kaukapakapa a real heart; it will only add to the area's momentum," says Crow.
