The next stage of Takapuna’s evolution is here, as property development and investment company Willis Bond has confirmed its plans to partner with Eke Panuku Development Auckland to create Takapuna Central, a $400m mixed-use development over five sites surrounding the upcoming Waiwharariki Anzac Square.
The redevelopment of the sites, located between 40 Anzac Street and 30-34 Hurstmere Road, will bring new vibrancy and opportunity to one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s neighbourhoods best suited for more public transport-oriented development. Once completed, Takapuna Central will have centrally located homes and office space, plus a selection of retail and hospitality, all cohesively designed to enhance the surrounding civic area.
One of Eke Panuku’s goals for Unlock Takapuna has been to support Takapuna’s growth through a new, mixed-use development on the Anzac Street car park site. This partnership with Willis Bond is a huge step forward in their vision of Takapuna becoming a safe, accessible and vibrant town centre orientated around people walking and cycling. These buildings will enhance the new town square with an appealing, pleasant ground floor comprised mostly of retail and hospitality, and sunlight maximised for the town square itself.
“Our goals in Takapuna are about unlocking its huge potential – by working with Willis Bond to a set of agreed development outcomes, we’re enhancing Takapuna with more urban living options, public space and strengthened connections to ensure this key seaside neighbourhood continues to thrive for decades to come,” said Kate Cumberpatch, Eke Panuku’s priority location director for the north of Auckland.
The new homes, offices and businesses will also mean more customers for local businesses around the clock. After all, there are few better places in Tāmaki Makaurau to enjoy some kai by the water, and with this development, it’s going to be even easier to walk to all your amenities and desired treats. And when residents want to travel throughout the city, they’ll find that it’s incredibly easy to catch a bus nearby.
The first stage of the development, Takapuna Central Apartments, will see a 2760sqm site fronting Anzac Street next to Potters Park become 115 new homes with construction due to start in late 2023, following the completion of Waiwharariki Anzac Square.
The homes will be designed to suit a range of different lifestyles and stages of life in an urban coastal location – ideally located for low-carbon living. Willis Bond expects to launch them to market later this year with a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, with provision for resident parking in the building.
This is the second time Eke Panuku have worked with Willis Bond, following their fantastic mahi in Wynyard Quarter, and their team is well-suited to help deliver the next chapter in Takapuna’s story.
Willis Bond Managing Director Mark McGuinness enthused: “Within a five-minute walking radius of this site you have Potters Park, a new town square, Takapuna Beach, malls, eateries and shops. Our goal here is to connect the dots and create a desirable living environment for visitors and residents alike. Our approach is always to enhance the communities we work in, and we are excited to be an integral part of the work Eke Panuku is doing to unlock Takapuna.”
Of course, this project will have to meet high sustainability and liveability standards – another reason why Eke Panuku have partnered with Willis Bond. The company is well known for its mixed-use developments that fit unique urban environments. Coupled with their dedication to low environmental impacts, this will ensure Takapuna Central will lead the way in sustainable development on the North Shore. Willis Bond is targeting a Homestar 7 rating for sustainable design for Takapuna Central Apartments, meaning a good standard of environmental impact.
Auckland North Shore Ward Councillor and Planning Committee Chair Chris Darby remarked: “The consortium of top-notch developer Willis Bond teaming up with multi-award-winning architects, Architectus and Cheshire Architects, together with the experienced construction firm LT McGuiness, will deliver the high-quality outcomes I always envisaged for this anchor project.
“This is a great example of how public and private sector collaboration can enhance, improve and bring life to the town centre. [This] announcement will inspire even greater confidence in the future of Takapuna by local residents, business owners and future investors.
"What was once a soulless, windy car park is about to become a hugely desirable place to visit, live, shop and dine, with new homes, businesses and public space."
For more details on Eke Panuku’s work in Takapuna, visit panuku.co.nz/takapuna
