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STAGE ONE COMPLETE
Your Local Paper
AUGUST 3, 2018
STAGE TWO UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Stage One opens at Lakewood Cambridge
Stage One of Lakewood Cambridge is now complete and businesses are opening in the brand new complex. The apartments have long been sold and the main entrances and car park are now complete. The stylish modern mixed-use development combines commercial and residential elements to offer an outstanding lifestyle and convenience retail experience. Prior to construction much research and analysis went into identifying the needs of the town, and what would complement it and aid its growth. “We were mindful of not taking anything away from Cambridge,” said Ben Jones, development manager of Greenstone Group. “Numerous locals and experts were consulted during the initial stages and the design that developed is not only reflective of Cambridge and its unique attributes, but addresses the growing needs of the town.” Research revealed that more car parking, more accommodation and a greater retail offer to prevent sales leakage to rival shopping areas would significantly enhance the town. A 33-room three storey Hidden Lake Hotel and a custom-built early childhood centre are also scheduled for completion next year, along with a feature entertainment and food building and a series of townhouses.
Huge local interest in apartments and townhouses
Lakewood Cambridge has ushered in a new era of urban development. The concept gives rise to greater housing variety and density, reducing distances between housing, workplaces, retail and hospitality, decreasing transport costs, and reinforcing a strong neighbourhood character and a sense of place. Locals and those living within the region showed keen interest in the apartment development. The opportunity to live in a picturesque lakeside environment with a raft of amenities on hand proved incredibly appealing. Many are also wanting to personalise the townhouses, with a number of purchasers wanting larger houses. In one instance, a party has even purchased two townhouses with the intention of combining them into an incredibly spacious 400sqm house. “Locals appreciate the value of living in Waikato’s premier destination,” says Greenstone Group’s Ben Jones.
A buzz of excitement is in the air as businesses begin trading in Lakewood Cambridge. New shops are springing to life as their fitouts become completed. The blend of retail offerings, services and commercial activities includes vehicle finance specialist, MTF; Hell Pizza; a 24/7 Snap Fitness gym; Vivo Hair & Beauty; New Zealand start-up IT company, Nyriad; computer repair and software business, Repairtech; and an Epiphany Donuts kiosk selling a range of specialty donuts. Real estate offices for Bayleys, Bay Audiology, a liquor store, Get a Cut barber, Pita Pit, Kabuki Sushi and The Coffee Club occupy Block B. The multi-million dollar Lakewood complex is designed as a onestop convenience destination. “Superior shopper visitation is being promoted within the high profile water-front environment,” says Ben Jones, development manager of Greenstone Group. “We’ve had national and regional businesses lining up to take commercial space in the development. A lack of available retail and office space in Cambridge has led to high interest in Lakewood.” The development addresses the need for more offerings in the town. Leading economic demographers Property Economics identified a significant quantum of shopping leakage being spent outside of the Cambridge catchment. The first businesses to open in the complex are located on the ground levels in Blocks B and F, with 16 apartments on the upper floors of Block B. Stage One has also seen the completion of the main entrances and public car park for visitors.
Hidden Lake Hotel – a Cambridge first
Lakewood Cambridge – adding value and vitality to the town From an old truck stop to an outstanding town feature, Lakewood Cambridge has transformed a disused central yard into a destination the town can be proud of. The development showcases the best of Cambridge’s renowned heritage character alongside Lake Te Koutu’s natural
Lakewood Cambridge opens for trade
beauty. “We’ve welcomed the support from Waipa District Council with Mayor Jim Mylchreest notably turning the first sod,” says Ben Jones, development manager of Greenstone Group. “We’ve worked closely with the town to ensure a positive outcome, and will continue to do so
throughout stage two and the townhouses.” Conceptualised collaboratively by the original developers, Greenstone Group and Ignite Architects, a strong weighting has been placed on integrating Lakewood Cambridge with the surrounding reserve and lake. The aim is to showcase the picturesque backdrop and create enduring links with the town centre. A panoramic outlook over the council reserve, with its splendour of trees, gardens and lakes, enhances the aesthetics of Lakewood Cambridge. “Both work in complement with each other,” says Ben. It is hoped that the walking trail at Lake Te Koutu will be further upgraded to provide a scenic link between the town and Lakewood Cambridge.
A purpose-built childcare centre planned A large, experienced childcare operator is also in the advanced stages of designing their own dedicated, stand-alone childcare building. The new centre will incorporate generous indoor and outdoor areas in keeping with the natural surrounds. “We view the childcare complex as an important cog in the overall relaxed Lakewood Cambridge setting,” says Ben Jones. “Shopping convenience set against a beautiful backdrop are key points of difference for visitors.”
A love of the area is drawing Glenda Hamilton and Chris Turner back to the region. The couple will relocate to Cambridge next year to open Hidden Lake Hotel, a new hospitality business in innovative Lakewood Cambridge. “The aim is to promote a safe, sustainable future for our business and the environment,” says Glenda. “A big part of this will be supporting local businesses.” They are delighted by the prospect of sharing the unique beauty and hospitality of the Waikato region with visitors. Hidden Lake Hotel will epitomise all the classic charm and allure travellers when visiting Cambridge and the greater Waikato. Comprising 33 studio rooms and apartments, the hotel will showcase contemporary styling, local artwork, superior appointments technical luxuries and scenic views. “Everything is well thought out and will be delivered with on-trend hospitality,” says Glenda. “Guests can expect a high level of service without fuss. Down-to-earth is the New Zealand way.” Hidden Lake Hotel promotes a true Kiwi experience. It will contain a guest lounge room, a spa pool, spa room and treatments, plus offer two function rooms for meetings, conferences and events. The apartments are fully self-contained and the in-room mini bars introduce local products. Comfort is foremost, right down to lumbar support chairs. The disability-friendly rooms and apartments are above ground floor for guest safety, who also have access to ample free car parking, a secure illuminated bike storage area, a laundry and free
wireless internet. Expertly trained management, hotel assistants and housekeepers will ensure an exceptional stay. They will be locally hired, assist with the running of the business, and fill key positions including chef, lodge attendants and housekeeping staff. And with relationships being at the core of the
business, passionate individuals, who genuinely care about people and can offer local knowledge, are being sought. Hidden Lake Hotel is set to benefit the town and region through enhancing accommodation options and employment opportunities. Being able to host visitors locally, rather than them having to stay out-of-town, will have a positive flow-on effect for other Cambridge businesses. The hotel will also support local businesses where it can through its food and beverage offering, and actively recruiting new visitors who haven’t traditionally stopped in Cambridge. Former Waikato sprinter to run local hotel Glenda Hamilton, co-owner of Hidden Lake Hotel, is excited to be returning to live near her
family in Cambridge. She grew up on a Waikato dairy farm, was educated at Te Aroha College and has an excellent knowledge of the region, thanks largely to her involvement in Waikato athletics during her childhood and adolescence. Glenda holds a degree in hotel management, with a specialisation in business development and education. She has worked extensively in hospitality since the age of 12. “My first job was helping in a friend’s family fish and chip shop in Cambridge.” Since then Glenda has worked through all departments and in a range of hospitality establishments from upmarket bars and restaurants, to bakeries, motels and hotels. She’s been based locally, as well as in Rotorua and Auckland, on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. For the past 15 years she has held management positions in New Zealand and Australia. Over half of this period has been spent in the education sector teaching hospitality and coordinating learning of vocational students. “I am looking forward to the challenge the hotel is going to bring and eager to get back into running a property,” says Glenda. Her partner, Chris Turner, is a qualified industrial electrician who hails from Invercargill. His last five years have been spent in the agricultural industry overseeing local dealer network maintenance teams in New Zealand and Australia. He loves boating and is particularly fond of Lake Karapiro. The couple have a three year old daughter and currently live on the Gold Coast.