Takanini: Primed for development

Two properties on the outskirts of Takanini offer bags of potential, says CEDRIC GRAY.

Residential real estate is a hot talking point in Takanini at the moment. Central to discussion is the future of the Takanini horse training centre - with Matamata, the biggest in New Zealand - which has been sold by the Auckland Racing Club. The centre will close in 2005.

The land is ripe for development. It is within easy reach of Manukau City and Papakura, it's handy to the southern motorway and the surrounding network is well-established.

The sale has triggered a mass exodus of trainers from the area. Most will relocate to Pukekohe where training facilities will be expanded. Others have bought land in Cambridge and some are believed to be seeking suitable properties in Te Awamutu and Matamata.

Manukau is a city with growing pains, hence the interest in two properties listed by Bayleys, Papakura, on the outskirts of Takanini. Both have potential for development under the future Takanini Structure Plan.

One property is in Wallis Rd, close to the Ardmore airport, where about 12ha of pasture has been subdivided from a high-producing dairy farm (pictured above, right). The land has been in the same family ownership since 1927, and according to Chris Duder, of Bayleys, it has the potential for development into lifestyle units or smaller residential blocks.

At present the property is divided into 10 fertile paddocks served by bore water. Tenders close on April 14.

The second property covers 2.02ha at 122 Cosgrave Rd, on the eastern urban boundary. Under the present structure plan it has the potential for subdivision into residential lots of between 500sq m and 1000sq m.

It has a contemporary-style home, built about 20 years ago and set in attractive lawns and mature trees. The house faces north, boasting views of six small paddocks which graze equestrian horses.

The house has four good-sized bedrooms (the master bedroom has an en suite) and a large family room. The modern kitchen serves the open-plan family dining area and formal lounge.

A sheltered area at the rear of the house provides delightful outdoor entertaining, with mature magnolias, flowering cherries and other species ensuring privacy and tranquility. The focal point is an in-ground swimming pool in the centre of the gardens.

A comfortable one-bedroom cottage and two enclosed stables are at the end of the driveway, and there is a 40m by 20m dressage arena. Town water is reticulated for stock and household use.

Tenders for the property close with Bayleys, Papakura, on April 21. For further details contact Chris Duder on 298 2525.