Lighter Quay: Levels of luxury

A new complex of luxury water's edge apartments at the Viaduct Harbour offers exceptional city living - with added benefits for boaties. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

With the America's Cup syndicates departing our shores, it's full steam ahead for the completion of stage one of Lighter Quay.

North at Lighter Quay (stage one) is a striking limestone building housing 40 luxury apartments right on the water's edge of Lighter Basin.

These one-bedroom to three/four-bedroom penthouse apartments, ranging in size from 65sq m to 370sq m on the northern edge of the site, offer residents exceptional city living with a marina on the doorstep and visitor boat parking in the complex's internal waterway, which is controlled by a lock system.

Melview Development principal Nigel McKenna says the 1.6ha site of Lighter Quay is Viaduct Harbour's final land holding with water frontage.

"The site is unique in that it provides views of the Viaduct Harbour, city and inner harbour and is north-facing. All the apartments are generously proportioned taking advantage of both the views and Auckland's mild climate."

Many of the apartments are double sided with large decks looking to the former America's Cup bases and on to the harbour. The decks on the other side have views of Victoria Park and the city.

The spacious interiors in neutral colour schemes offer residents exceptional living and entertaining spaces, bringing the tranquil ambience of the water inside.

Nigel says: "That's the way the living spaces and interiors of stage one are designed, to suit the lifestyles of those who enjoy the vibrancy of inner city waterfront living, but who are also accustomed to a level of luxury associated with premium homes.

"Much of the site has dual water frontages and there are a limited number of marina berths available on the inner water space. Immediately adjacent, on the eastern waterside boundary, some marina berths will be available for lease so it's an ideal location for New Zealanders who appreciate boating," he says.

The exterior cladding of the apartments is Portuguese limestone and this gracious material is continued inside with German limestone flooring. The European flavour is further embellished with Dornbracht tapware, Philippe Starck lavatories and English handbasins designed by Lord Norman Foster.

The apartments have windows and terraces on at least two sides, and motorised louvres on the north-facing side provide protection from the glare and offer privacy.

Although a public walkway surrounds Lighter Quay, the apartments are built slightly above eye level ensuring a private existence only a stone's throw away from the hum of the Viaduct.

Plans for the other stages of Lighter Quay include three other apartment blocks, a row of three-storey, pavilion-style homes and a luxury boutique hotel and condominiums.

INTERIORS

The floor-to-ceiling glass frontage ensures unimpeded views of the water, which creates the perfect backdrop for exceptional entertaining or casual living.

The sleek kitchen with stainless appliances, a glass splashback and streamline island bench, housing the DishDrawers and sink, seamlessly blends with the living space. Eating areas are maximised by a restrained breakfast bar ideally positioned for guests to sit and chat to the host while they prepare the evening's offerings.

Floating ceilings create a feeling of roominess, and generous wall space allows for individual tastes in the form of artwork to be displayed to provide a touch of colour on the clean, crisp surfaces.

A frosted glass door to the bathroom gives the impression this often-private sanctuary is still part of the home. Eliminating the use of a solid door allows this practical space to be enjoyed. The solitary bath, flanked by heated towel rails, is a strong form against one wall, while opposite dual handbasins, a glass shower and partitioned toilet complete the layout. Expansive use of glass, display shelving and quality fittings complete this luxurious retreat.

Bedrooms vary in size depending on the apartment layout but the glass-fronted wardrobes, providing ample storage, are consistent throughout.

Designed for luxury living, these chic water's edge apartments offer a stylish and spacious alternative to other inner-city abodes.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: Lighter Quay, 85-89 Halsey St, Auckland.

FEATURES: 40 luxury apartments (one bedroom to three/four bedroom penthouse) on five levels on the waterfront at Viaduct Harbour; large 3m balcony with glass balustrades; limestone flooring; mid section apartments have internal waterway views; three lifts; internal waterway for visitor boat parking; motorised louvres for solar control; access to gym and pool facilities; underground car parking; Fisher & Paykel appliances, including double DishDrawer; optional - Plasma TV, additional Fisher & Paykel appliances; air conditioning.

SIZE: Floor sizes - one bedroom 65sq m to 98sq m, two bedroom 120sq m to 174sq m, three bedroom from 183sq m, three/four bedroom penthouse 373sq m.

PRICE: From $395,000 to $2.945 million.

AGENTS: Dinah Macky and Andrea Bell-Richie, Bayleys. Ph 309 6020 bus; Dinah 522 6617 ah; 027 493 5466 mob; Andrea 360 1878 ah; 021 906 793 mob.