KEY POINTS:
A major retail and commercial redevelopment on the site of the Half Moon Bay Marina in Auckland's eastern suburbs is planned by its owners the Auckland Maritime Foundation.
The first stage of the project, being managed by Pukenui Properties, will see the demolition of the function centre on
the western side of the existing retail and commercial complex.
It will be replaced by the first of three 2-storey buildings and is expected to be completed in the latter part of 2008. The first building will contain more than 1000 square metres of retail space at ground level that will incorporate some of the existing marine-related tenancies. The floor above will comprise 1100 sq m of commercial space enhanced with nearly 200 sq m of external balconies.
All up, the new complex will contain close to 10,000 sq m of retail, office and other commercial space. Bayleys Real Estate has been appointed to handle the leasing of the space through agents Ed Donald, Dave Bernard and Geoff Wyatt. Donald says there has already been considerable interest in the complex which is being viewed as an exciting new development for the area.
"We're dealing with inquiries from a wide range of parties including retailers, cafes, bars, restaurants, a major gymnasium operator, a childcare centre and entertainment businesses. Interest is also coming from professionals looking for waterfront office space. The tenancy mix will be more inclusive of the local community than the existing complex."
Mark Hollier, the general manager of Auckland Maritime Foundation and Half Moon Bay Marina, says the existing retail and commercial centre has a dated 1970s look.
"It's inwardly focused as a mall and certainly doesn't make the most of the spectacular views that are available from the site out across the marina to the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island.
"This project has been on our minds for some time knowing that an upgrade was overdue. It will completely change the whole configuration and look of the premises and provide a much more modern and attractive business environment for potential tenants.
"We also believe it will provide a more dynamic and interesting place for people to shop, work or relax. We want to make it a more family focused place and encourage the community to come and enjoy the wider range of amenities that the marina will offer."
Part of the landscaping around the complex will include a children's play area.
Hollier says the complex has been designed by architects Woodhams Meikle Zhan with a maritime theme and to capitalise on its desirable position alongside berthed vessels.
"The footprints of the new buildings will be closer to the water's edge and ground level tenancies will be elevated one metre higher than at present to make the most of the waterside outlook.
"We see the development as a commercial and retail hub for the community - with over 80,000 people within a 10-minute drive - as well as for boaties who use the marina, commuters who use the nearby ferry terminals and casual visitors."
The property is at the centre of a vibrant maritime environment. The marina itself has 500 berth holders with yachts and launches ranging up to 20 metres, more than 100 trailer boat clients in secure parking and 23 marine services and commercial tenants.
Immediate neighbours include the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club, which has its own clubhouse and marina, a six-ramp public boat launching facility, the Waiheke passenger and vehicle ferry base and the expanding commuter ferry service to downtown Auckland.
Demand for this service continues to grow, with 13 sailings a day during the week, and the early morning commuter service ferrying 400 passengers on the 35 minute trip to the Auckland CBD
Built in 1970 as a commercial venture by Broadlands, the Half Moon Bay Marina was acquired 10 years later by The Auckland Maritime Foundation, a charitable trust whose board members are both marina users and members of the local business community.
The foundation has a perpetually renewable 21-year ground lease from the Manukau City Council on close to seven hectares of land surrounding the marina.
The foundation manages and operates the marina and uses funds generated from its land-based commercial operations to support and assist maritime activities, particularly those involving the education and safety of people at sea. Hollier says the foundation has made grants in excess of $1 million to a host of community focused groups and organisations associated with water-based activities.
The total catchment within a 20-minute drive of the marina is 260,000 people or 20 per cent of the Auckland region's population, according to retail trade and catchment analysis done by PMP Micromarketing.
Within five minutes drive, the average household income is $73,000 per annum - significantly more than the Auckland average and a reflection of the high proportion of affluent households in the area, says Donald. He says the marina is surrounded by an array of prosperous suburbs, situated between the traditional seaside Bucklands Beach to the north and the more recently established residential Farm Cove and Sunny Hills to the south.
Donald says there is an under-supply of fine dining restaurants and good cafes and pubs in the area and there is little in the way of good quality office space.
He says the complex will offer A grade office space with floor plates in excess of 1000 sq m. But he says much smaller areas of space will be available for lease by local businesses and professional practices.
"It would be ideal for those who don't like the idea of travelling into central Auckland every day but don't want to work from home either. A feature of the office space will be the extensive glazing and outdoor balconies which will make the most of the scenic outlook."
