Sign In / Register
Thompson Terraces
Newly built terraced housing on the corner of Lilburn Street and Warin Place is the first of its kind in Warkworth and gives a picture of what much future housing in the town will likely look like.
The six two-storey units, known as Thompson Terraces, were constructed by builder turned developer Tony Eede, who says it’s the kind of housing Auckland Council is encouraging in Warkworth through its Unitary Plan.
He says building in the business/mixed use zone would even have allowed him to build three storeys – though says going that high would have been inappropriate for the area.
He says in his experience, neighbours never like change and admits that not all them were comfortable with the development when it was first mooted, but over time became more supportive.
“Most of the housing round here is in need of an upgrade and a build of this standard can only be an asset to the neighbourhood,” he says.
Among the dilapidated housing was a villa where the units now stand. It was formerly owned by a Mr Thompson, now deceased, hence the Thompson Terraces name.
Tony says he considered moving the villa to a new site. However, although from the street it looked original, it had in fact undergone numerous alterations and was not worth restoring.
Demand for the new units was strong with all of them sold for between $800,000 and $900,000 before they were completed.
They each have between two and three bedrooms, a small backyard area, a lock-up garage, an upstairs TV/sitting room (in addition to a sitting room downstairs), and a lift to the second storey.
Tony says the installation of lifts is becoming increasingly common in new builds in Auckland.
The units are built using a timber frame with a brick veneer and cedar boarding on the outside.
Tony rates the project a big success and he would be eager to attempt similar ones in Warkworth if he could find land at the right price.
However, he says securing a resource consent for the project was difficult, with Auckland Council being extremely persnickety about the colours that could be used and the location of the garages.
“Council took a most unfortunate view. I had to go to a barrister to force them to change their minds,” he says.
The development’s architect was Stephen Lammas.
New resident over the moon
Among those looking forward to settling down in one of the new Thompson Terraces units is the developer’s daughter, Virginia Carrick-Eede, who moved in two months ago.
She says the upstairs TV room is a big hit with her partner – an avid gamer – and she is delighted with the kitchen.
Virginia loves to cook and says the fact the galley-style kitchen is sandwiched between the living and dining area, gives her the chance to take part in entertaining her guests while preparing meals.
