Venkat Raman –
Auckland’s growing importance as a destination for conferences, exhibitions and ceremonial functions has led to increasing demand for quality venues, catering to organisations and individuals who are conscious of cost-effective solutions.
Indian Newslink has a judicious mix of venues to host its well-branded events. Thus, our three annual events, namely Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards Presentation Ceremony, Indian Newslink Sir Anand Satyanand Lecture and Indian Newslink Sports Awards Presentation Ceremony are held respectively at Sky City Convention Centre, Pullman Hotel and Alexandra Park.
These venues are also popular among the members of the South Asian communities and constantly undergo refurbishment and embellishment to add value to their services.
Facelift for Alexandra
Alexandra Park is on the threshold of such a major redevelopment.
Chief executive Dominique Dowding said that the 125-year old Epsom-based Trotting Club is being transformed into a modern, sophisticated facility under the expertise of veteran commercial real estate agent Ash Hira of Ray White Commercial.
The New Zealand-born member of the Indian community said that the Trotting Club’s Car Park will become Auckland’s newest high-end urban village over the next couple of years.
It will be called, ‘223 Green Lane West.’
According to Ms Dowding, more than 230 apartments are now selling fast on freehold unit titles helped by their double Grammar Zone status.
Commercial Units
“Beneath the residential living, the Club is currently negotiating leases for the prime ground floor retail, hospitality and commercial space in the development. About 5500 square meters of ground floor space is available for lease, split beneath four apartment buildings. Negotiations are advancing on larger format spaces with the inclusion of a grocer and the possibility of a gym for the area, pharmacy and medical practices,” she said.
Mr Hira claimed that the retail and hospitality opportunities are creating strong interest, helped by the large and attractive residential catchment.
Tenant mix
“Normally prospective tenants would be asking for the likes of demographic reports, but most operators understand this catchment well, with many keen to be here. Encouraged by increasing interest, we are confident of achieving the best possible tenant mix with quality operators,” he said.
As well as food and beverage, the property developer is keen to have boutique lifestyle retailers selling giftware, homeware and beauty products.
“Ground floor spaces now up for negotiation range in size from 62 square meters to 508 square meters. This will create a new heart for Epsom, which is long overdue. We are able to pick the best operators and those who can offer consumers something different. It’s going to be a real destination,” Mr Hira said.
Quality, Longevity
Ms Dowding said that quality and longevity were two significant factors driving the brownfields transformation.
“Apartment buyers and prospective tenants love the iconic nature of the Park and our central address. It is a well-known and much loved piece of Auckland real estate that will get even better. We cannot wait,” she said.
Mr Hira is also promoting Auckland’s next restaurant and café destination with plenty of opportunity of alfresco dining in and around attractive promenades and public spaces.
“People in this part of Auckland say that there is demand to get good coffee locally. Creating some quality choice closer to home will be really well received,” he said.
Brisk sale
According to Ms Dowding, the planned apartments enjoy early success with 60% of the first phase of the residential development already sold.
“People love the lifestyle village concept and know that it would be great. There is real momentum, including strong interest from ethnic Aucklanders of all ages and stages. Positive feedback continually points to it being double grammar zone, the quality of the urban design and architecture, the beautifully-appointed high-studded and generously sized apartments, their freehold title status, the central iconic location as well as having Cornwall Park across the road,” she said.
“We are offering people affordable luxury in a modern village environment with daily conveniences, boutique retail stores, restaurants and cafes, and great public open spaces,” she added.
Display Apartment
She said that the stunning on-site fully furnished display apartment is proving hugely popular as it provides people with an ability to “touch, feel and experience a typical two bedroom apartment at 119m2 including the balcony.”
Among the advantages of this development is ample space for car park.
The display suite is open from 12 pm to 4 pm daily.
Appointments can be booked over 0800-275484 or at www.apliving.co.nz
Further information can be obtained from Dominique Dowding on (09) 6309700 or 021-377303 or from Ash Hira on 021-985853.
