Boys says the land is perfectly-placed to capitalise on pedestrian activity and leverage excellent proximity to the Takapuna beach reserve.
Panuku intends to create a vibrant public space on part of the land, and although design is not finalised a town square area of about 3000sq m is anticipated, he says.
The balance of the land (circa 6000sq m in total net of town square, with boundaries to be finalised) will be available for redevelopment in partnership with Panuku.
This offers opportunities for interested parties to acquire all — or part of the land — to deliver a high-quality mixed-use precinct with enhanced pedestrian connectivity.
Boys says an underlying Metropolitan Centre zoning enables a range of commercial and residential uses.
"The category of zoning is second only to the City Centre in terms of the combination of economic activity, residential intensification, public facilities and public transport accessibility. Implications of this are significant in terms of the future provision of adequate open space, social infrastructure and supporting commercial activities in Takapuna."
Under new planning provisions, Takapuna-specific rules have been put in place to enable development that will create a quality-built environment complementary of coastal character. A height limit of up to nine-storeys (with a setback after three or four storeys) applies to the majority of the site while buildings on Hurstmere Rd can be developed up to six storeys (with a setback after two-to-four storeys).
"This wide-ranging planning scope combined with a stunning and highly livable location with the beach reserve only 200m away, provides a great blank canvas for a visionary developer.
Panuku's Allan Young says redevelopment of the site aims to 'unlock Takapuna'.
"We're looking to facilitate the delivery of developments that make the most of the lake and seaside setting and help create a safe, accessible and vibrant town centre oriented around pedestrians and cyclists.
"Much of the early planning has occurred to get to this point, we're now looking to a high-calibre development partner or partners to produce quality, sustainable development in alignment with Takapuna's urban identity. The idea is to create a civic heart that celebrates its identity and attracts people, activity and enterprise."
The site will continue to be used as a carpark until mid-2020 when the new multi-level Gasometer car park building — 200m from the subject site at 14 Huron St — will open to serve the Takapuna centre. Construction is already underway and will include around420 car parks, electric car and bike charging stations, bike storage, motorbike parking, accessibility parking and "end of trip" facilities including changing rooms.
Meanwhile, Auckland Council will be upgrading Hurstmere Rd with a redesigned streetscape that enhances Takapuna's identity and prioritises people. The community is expected to benefit from a more appealing and accessible street, and vehicle traffic will be reduced to one lane between Anzac St and Lake Rd. These works are expected to commence in mid-2019.
Residential activity is the primary land use within the wider Takapuna area, including freestanding dwellings and multi-unit apartments. Takapuna is Auckland's fourth largest employment centre, after Auckland CBD, Newmarket and Manukau City Centre.
Boys says new investment continues to be attracted to the area including several apartment projects currently under construction or being marketed in the immediate area at present.
"Seldom has a development opportunity arisen in such a great location and offering such strong liveability attributes," Boys says.
"The size and location of this site provides an exciting opportunity for high quality mixed-use development to unify the centre of Takapuna."
