Build and they will come - Marsden Cove takes shape

Build and they will come -

Marsden Cove takes shape

By Donna Russell

New houses and light industrial buildings are springing up in the popular marine village of Marsden Cove, making it one of the fastestgrowing areas of Northland.

Marsden Cove, tucked between One Tree Point and Ruakaka, is rapidly becoming Northland’s premier boating destination and Whangarei district's most desirable neighbourhood.

Complete with a world-class 230-berth marina at its centre and surrounding residential development comprising impressive waterfront and near-waterfront sections, Marsden Cove is increasing in popularity and value.

The marine village has been created around the canals built by Hopper Developments. The privately owned land development company, based in Orewa, is best known for its expertise in creating high quality coastal lifestyle developments at Pauanui Waterways, Whitianga Waterways and Marsden Cove.

Sections in the six stages have been highly sought, with only one section remaining in Stage 2 and limited sections left in Stage 5E where titles have now been issued. Non-canal sections are now available on pre-title agreements in Stage 6D. The few remaining canal-front sections are priced over $1.5 million to $3.5 million for a particularly large corner section, and non-canal sections have price tags ranging from $600,000 to $740,000.

Earthworks are underway to form the canals for the final three areas for development, Stages 7, 8 and 9.

Marsden Cove Marina complex manager Brent Wilson says there are lots of exciting developments for residents and visitors as support businesses move into the area.

A new Four Square Plus Supermarket has opened on the ground floor of the new 900 square metre marina commercial complex. “It’s really exciting to see that opening.’’

A new liquor store and a restaurant are also in the pipeline, with details yet to be released.

“The new restaurant will go in the waterfront complex in the New Year, but I can’t reveal more than that,’’ he says.

Seven new 22-24 metre berths have been installed and three 30-year Licenses to Occupy have already been sold. To allow for this expansion, the fuel jetty has been moved closer to the haul-out area.

LOCKSMART LOCKSMITHS S Sum mmer & & Holidays Have Arrived!! W WHO HAS YOUR KEYS?

· Residential Re-Keys · Annual Maintenance · Digital Locks · Spare Automotive Keys · Commercial Work

Local Call Out Rates Apply

“We have a wide range of businesses, from builders and a gym to mechanics and an electrical wholesaler, a stainlesssteel business and a kayak business."

Ray White Real Estate has moved its offices to the new office block complex above the Four Square.

Licensee Aaron Ratcliffe says the new offices will serve as the head office for the Marsden Bay and Waipu office agents.

“All the extra space allows us to maintain social distancing for our clients, particularly when we hold auctions. It sets the stage for a more corporate and professional image. There is so much happening in real estate in the area and we are right at the centre of it,’’ Aaron says.

“We have a good relationship with the other businesses in the area. We’ve all been through a lot to get to this stage where there is now a real momentum of people moving to the area. Only a few years ago, houses were taking months to sell. Now everything is being snapped up.’’

Marsden Cove Marine Engineering is in the process of relocating to the new Kiteotara Complex in Marsden Bay Drive. Once the move is complete the Marine Chandlery will expand into this space.

The hardstand presently has 84 boats and with expected growth in this area the possible extension of the Hardstand next year is on the cards.

“The Hardstand area is going from strength to strength,’’ Brent says.

Marsden Cove’s bustling waterfront retail complex now includes a general store, café/restaurant, bakery/lunch bar, hair and beauty salon, marine services, real estate agencies and the Marsden Cove Fishing Club.

A new pharmacy has recently opened its doors next to the Marsden Cove medical centre and dental clinic just along the road next to the quickly expanding retirement village.

A light industrial area to the south of the main village is also filling in quickly.

Brent says there are only about five shops still vacant in one of the two large commercial buildings.

“We have a wide range of businesses, from builders and a gym to mechanics and an electrical wholesaler, a stainless-steel business and a kayak business.

“We’ve had solid enquiry, not just from Whangarei but also from Auckland and Tauranga. People are keen to come north.’’

Your Local Store OPEN 7 Days HOURS: 6.30am - 8pm SUMMER HOURS: 6.30am - 9.30pm Phone (09) 432 7660