Little Projects General Manager Sales and Marketing Fergus Humphries says the site holds great appeal, offering residents accessibility to Victoria Quarter's vibrant and thriving dining and retail precinct while being within walking distance of the CBD, Auckland's waterfront and commercial headquarters.
Little Projects is one of Melbourne's leading private property developers whose reputation for partnering with the best designers and builders, has resulted in several benchmark multi-award winning projects that feature iconic living and working spaces.
Little Projects has delivered more than 1,770 apartments to date, with a further 100 apartments under construction to be completed in 2016.
Mr Humphries says the opportunity to deliver premium residences required Little Projects, Location Group and Cox Architecture to create a legacy project; exemplifying an aspirational lifestyle that celebrated great design and resort-style amenities.
"Auckland is becoming increasingly sophisticated and Grace Victoria Quarter will demonstrate the beauty and convenience of true apartment living," he says.
"We're extremely proud of how beautiful this residential project is going to be. It brings together a decade of experience of delivering high quality projects in Melbourne's inner city markets and will be a project that Auckland will take great pride in.
"Grace Victoria Quarter is a project without precedence. We've made a point of exceeding expectations because that's what the market is seeking. As a place to call home, it will offer a lifestyle second to none. It will be hard to beat the resident's amenities, premium finishes throughout, expansive harbour and broader district views and location within walking distance of cafes, restaurants, shopping and the CBD."
Located at 70 Sale Street, Victoria Quarter, the project is 500 metres from the waterfront which will provide immediate access to key Auckland amenities including Victoria Park, the Wynyard Quarter and Auckland Harbour to the north, CBD retail to the east and Ponsonby to the west.
Award-winning Cox Architecture's contemporary design resembles a sinuously curved screen that follows the line of the corner site. Horizontal bands of frameless glazing achieve the soft curves and strong form.
Cox Architecture Director Philip Rowe says Grace Victoria Quarter is in keeping with the vision of high-density urban development that is anticipated in the burgeoning city-fringe precinct near Ponsonby and Freemans Bay.
Cox is one of the world's leading architectural practices having developed a reputation for innovative and exciting design, with projects both current and completed throughout Australia, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea and Singapore.
"The sculptural building form has been developed to maximise the number of units that have unencumbered views of the harbour to the north as well as views across the CBD, adjacent parks and suburbs," Mr Rowe says of Grace Victoria Quarter.
"This iconic building will be highly visible from nearby suburbs and roads and will become a feature of Auckland's rapidly evolving skyline."
An elegant residential entrance lobby will feature a double-height sculptural staircase, with retail tenancies at street level to activate the streetscape and provide access to a unique secret garden sheltered between the arms of the building.
Floor to ceiling windows feature in all apartments, enhancing the sense of spaciousness while maximising natural light and views. Sleek stone benchtops, feature lighting and joinery modernise the kitchens while the bathrooms include tiled walls and floors, custom-designed vanity units and clever storage solutions.
Bright, airy bedrooms are filled with natural light and a great sense of openness and space. A choice of two colour schemes will allow owners to personalise their apartment.
Resident amenities include a sky lounge and landscaped sky terrace retreat on the rooftop level, which will provide 360-degree views across Auckland.
Inside Grace's striking architectural form will be a secret garden forming a central oasis with lush tropical landscaping, a tranquil water feature and elevated dining zone.
Location Group Managing Director Mark Weipers says they set out to exceed expectations of inner city apartment living and create a new benchmark for design excellence in Auckland.
Location Group is one of New Zealand's most reputable development and investment companies with more than 40 years of experience in conceptualising and completing quality new development and refurbishment projects throughout the country.
"This project, and its superb location, will be something that shows Aucklanders what apartment living should and can be about. The focus on resident amenity and shared spaces for friends, family and residents to enjoy is a concept that has been attempted but not executed well in New Zealand before."
"The combination of local knowledge and established relationships which Location Group brings to the project, and an innovative approach to design and marketing processes which Little Projects' offer promises to deliver a unique product offering," says Mr Weipers.
To find out more about the apartments and sky homes at Grace Victoria Quarter, explore the website at www.gracevq.co.nz or visit the newly completed display suite at 115 Cook Street, Victoria Quarter, Auckland.
The display suite is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Karen Spires 027 273 8220 and Brad Roebuck 021766 180 of Bayleys Ponsonby have been appointed sole salespeople for the Grace apartments.
