Takapuna residents want more info on ‘build-to-rent’ tower

Locals have been surprised by the scale of a 39-storey apartment tower proposed for Takapuna, says Takapuna Residents Association (TRA) chair Steven Salt.

Comments to the association centred on the tower’s height and a desire to know more about the ‘build-to-rent’ operating model proposed for a development that will add 358 dwellings to the town centre.

Student-accommodation provider Unilodge has been announced as the operator of the facility. The consortium behind it includes a New Zealand construction firm and an Australian investment company which specialises in residential and student accommodation.

The development plans for the corner site next to the Toka Puia carpark were revealed in the Observer last month.

North Shore councillor Chris Darby welcomed the development, championed by Auckland Council’s property arm Eke Panuku, as providing more housing choice in Takapuna in line with council plans for the area’s growth as a metropolitan centre,

“The arrival of build-to-rent apartments, supported by professional management, is a step-change in the availability of affordable and secure living solutions,” Darby said.

Salt told the Observer the TRA was keen to have a constructive role in the growth of a diversifying Takapuna. The devil would be in the detail of the tower plan, he said.

“We want to see that it’s high-quality accommodation with long-term tenants who are part of the community,” he said.

Given the building had more storeys and only a little shorter at 140.6m than the nearby 30-storey Sentinel building, Salt wanted more information on the stud height.

The developers have said it will be a high-quality build meeting ‘six-star’ standards. They acknowledged in their application, however, that some balconies were slightly smaller than planning rules provided for.

Under the name of Gasometer Developments Ltd, consortium partners Cedar Pacific and McDonnell Developments are seeking a non-notified consent.

Salt said if the application did not meet Auckland Unitary Plan requirements a notified hearing should be held.

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board chair Toni van Tonder said the board had given planners its views. It backed the development as bringing rental housing and economic benefits to Takapuna.

The board wanted Eke Panuku streetscape upgrades progressed and the developer to match these on Auburn St, and said planners should look at parking provision to ensure Toka Puia and streets were not filled with residents’ cars.

On-site bike parking and waste collection were needed, the board said, as was good community liaison during construction.

Sparklers to sandals

The prime Takapuna site vacated by Michael Hill Jeweller after repeat ramraids is soon to carry the banner of big-name footwear brand Birkenstock. The store will be the second in New Zealand (after Newmarket) for the German company best known for its cork sandals. The Takapuna Beach Business Association has welcomed the arrival to Hurstmere Rd which adds to the centre’s fashion offering.

Footpath upgrade call

Footpath renewals in Takapuna should change from pavers to match the smoother concrete aggregate surface used on the upgraded section of Hurstmere Rd, the DevonportTakapuna Local Board says. It has called on Auckland Transport and Auckland Council to do this to minimise trip hazards caused by pavers being uplifted by tree roots and water.

Bike hub on the hill

Greville Reserve has been confirmed as the preferrred site for a community bike hub. Auckland Transport will open the hub mid-year, after DevonportTakapuna Local Board members backed the choice of Greville Reserve ahead of a proposed Devonport site.

Problems at pool

Takapuna Leisure Centre’s baby pool was closed and water in its main pool left chillier than usual last week after a boiler breakdown. Classes were cancelled pending repairs being done, but lane swimming was able to continue provided the water did not drop below 22deg. The usual temperature is 27deg.