EIGHTY-five per cent of the Princes Wharf development has now been sold, says the Kitchener Group's sales and marketing manager, Sue Nelson.
Interest in buying apartments on the wharf has stepped up, with construction almost completed on the initial phase of development.
"We've had keen interest throughout the development phase, but we'venoticed increasing interest over the past few weeks," she says.
"We still have some very attractive one and two-bedroom apartments for sale, starting from prices as low as $169,000 for a spacious one-bedroom unit and $429,000 for waterside two-bedroom, two-level apartments.
"We also have some serviced apartments for sale under the hotel management arrangement we have with Hilton," Sue Nelson says. The apartments will be leased to the Hilton Auckland for 10 years, with an 8 per cent per year return for the first three years.
At the northern end of the wharf, work is now under way on the construction of the hotel, which will also service 65 apartments in adjacent Sheds 20, 19 and 24. Structural steel for Shed 24, facing the northwestern side of the wharf, is also on site, for "what will become some of Auckland's most enviable apartments and penthouses," Sue Nelson says.
The first of Princes Wharf apartment dwellers will start moving in over the next few weeks, with the first levels of apartments in Sheds 22 and 23 almost completed.
"Purchasers have been delighted with the quality and finish of the apartments and retail space," Sue Nelson says.
"Aucklanders have been quick to recognise what a wonderful venue Princes Wharf is. Within a few days of its opening, you simply had to book to get a table at the Euro Bar.
"But perhaps that's not altogether surprising, given the reputation of its chef, Simon Gault."
The Euro, she says, was the first of what "promises to be some of Auckland's top dining venues" to open on the wharf.
Also open is Caf Hoegaarden, for more casual dining; the Sierra Caf; and Leftfield, a "high-tech modern dining and entertaining experience" which is the new home for Sky TV's Sports Cafe, televised live at 8.30 pm each Wednesday night. The atrium floor doubles as a disco.
