12 December, 2024

Iwi sells former Navy block to retirement-village group

Nearly 300 new homes will be created in Belmont on a 5.7ha site bought by Summerset Group for a retirement village.
The land off Eversleigh Rd, centred on Hillary Cres, was sold by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei in a deal announced to the stock exchange last week that includes the iwi taking part-payment in Summerset shares.
“The sale price remains commercially sensitive. However, we are confident this is a positive outcome for our iwi,” said Grant Kemble, the chief executive of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s property investment arm, Whai Rawa. The iwi retains land at the end of Rutherford St, where it has further plans for its ongoing Oneoneroa development. It has sold 42 private homes around the eastern end of the site.
Summerset told the Flagstaff it was extending into the area because of the high demand for retirement living options. The site had views and access to excellent local amenities in Takapuna and Devonport.
A spokesman said the intention was for a staged build of around 260 villas, plus further accommodation in care facilities. A village centre would be included.
Asked about public access to the coastal perimeter of the site or linkages to Hauraki, the spokesperson said this was to be confirmed as part of planning, design and consenting. Target dates were not yet available.
In announcing the development, Summerset chief executive Scott Scoullar said the village would be predominantly low-rise rather than apartment-dominated.
The freehold land purchase from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei was the start of a long-term partnership, he said. This included education and employment opportunities for hapū.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei acquired about 27ha of North Shore land in a treaty settlement. Kemble said the intention was always to sell portions of it as freehold, as had happened with Oneoneroa.