Rare shore site ripe for developing

The property sits opposite the Spencer on Byron Hotel in Takapuna and is zoned for terraced housing or apartments under the draft Unitary Plan. Photo / Supplied

Interest growing fast in property zoned to allow commercial and medical use.

A deceased residential estate directly opposite the Spencer on Byron Hotel is being marketed for sale for the first time in more than 55 years with vacant possession in central Takapuna, providing an ideal opportunity for commercial redevelopment.

The mid-1950s, two-level house with a double garage on a freehold 827sq m site at 14 Byron Avenue is being marketed by Andrew Bruce and Ilse Evans of NAI Harcourts and will be auctioned on site at noon on Saturday, June 8.

Bruce says the property is zoned Residential 7 under the Operative District Plan, and Terraced Housing and Apartment Buildings under the draft Unitary Plan.

Residential 7 allows commercial office and medical use subject to consent with a height limit of up to 9m as a discretionary activity while under the latest Draft Unitary Plan the maximum height is 21.5m or six stories, Bruce says.

Over the past 50 years surrounding properties have been demolished and redeveloped with commercial offices and this property is now the last remaining residential dwelling.

Evans says interest is already strong due to a myriad of options open to a new owner who could land bank the site, rent out the family home, occupy it as a residential dwelling, convert it to a business use or demolish the house and construct purpose-built offices or a medical centre or new residential buildings.

It's a property that is attracting visionary buyers, astute investors, owner occupiers, land bankers, developers and those with an eye for the future, Evans says.

However, the location, opposite the Spencer on Byron Hotel and Takapuna's IRD tower and nearby office buildings, reinforces its suitability for business-type use.

The property is on the southern side of Byron Ave, three properties east of the roundabout intersection with Burns Ave and next door to the Takapuna Bowling Club and Tennis Courts.

The near level rectangular site has a street frontage of about 20.2m and a depth to the rear boundary of 41m.

Takapuna's retail shops, offices, cafes, restaurants and beach are all just a short walk away while the motorway and main arterial routes are minutes away, Evans says.

Bruce says the tidy brick and tile home is estimated to have been built in 1956.

General construction includes concrete ground floor, timber first floor, timber joinery, brick exterior walls, timber roof trusses and concrete roof tiles. Internal linings are a mix of fibrous plaster and Gib board or similar. The ground level layout includes a large double garage, two bedrooms, shower room, separate laundry and hallway leading to a separate access to a side carport.

Main entry is from steps to the upper level. The entrance hall leads into a large north-facing open plan lounge and dining room capturing full sun. A separate 1970s-style kitchen with pine finish overlooks the adjoining bowling green with three further bedrooms and a bathroom also on this level.

An internal stairwell provides access to the lower level.

Chattels include fixed floor coverings, light fittings, blinds, drapes, wall mounted heat pump, dishwasher, range hood and wall oven, stove top, waste disposer and two garage remotes.

Bruce says the home's central heating system has not been maintained or used for 20 years.

The package

On offer: House and 827sq m site

Address: 14 Byron Ave, Takapuna

Agents: NAI Harcourts, Takapuna

Method: Auction, noon, June 8.

Feature: Commercial development potential.