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The scale of the development being undertaken by Williams Land on the Weiti Block was brought into focus when developer Evan Williams made a presentation to last month’s meeting of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board.
Maps showing the size of the block compared with various Auckland suburbs demonstrated that the 860ha development is the same size as Orewa.
The first sections in the coastal part of the development, known as Weiti Bay, went on the market around 18 months ago and Mr Williams says 81 have already sold – most in less than six months.
Construction of the 5km road from East Coast Rd into Weiti Bay has begun in earnest and he says that work on the two villages, situated 1km inland, should begin next year.
The timing of that work largely depends on an application that Williams Land made a year ago for a Special Housing Area which would enable more density in the villages.
Williams Land currently has consent for 400 houses within the 40.78ha village precinct, but last year the company made a submission to the proposed Unitary Plan to increase this to 1450. This includes greater density in part of the villages, as well as an additional development area.
The villages will contain a range of housing – including some that meets the Council’s “affordable housing” criteria – along with facilities including a fitness club, café, bar and restaurant.
In his update to the local board, Mr Williams emphasised that only 14 percent of the land is being developed, with the rest in bush, native plantings, gardens and Council and DOC reserves. He says the natural areas on the site will “turbo charge” the Northwest Wildlink – a wildlife corridor that provides stop off points for birds as they journey between Tiritiri Matangi and Ark in the Park in the Waitakere Ranges.
He highlighted the public amenities that are being provided as part of the development. These include extending the reserve behind historic D’Acre Cottage by 6ha and constructing and maintaining around 11km of walkways. A 400sqm building to be used as a learning centre with an environmental focus will be built, surrounded by 20ha of gardens. Mr Williams says that the building and gardens are likely to be managed by a Trust but will be publicly accessible.
Twenty hectares of mountain biking trails will be built, including some adventure tracks and some suitable for young riders. This facility will be managed by a club although the public will also have access.
A 30m high lookout tower is planned that will provide views “from the skytower to Orewa and Little Barrier”.
He is also assisting local groups with pest control on the land.
