Onehunga Terraces. Photo / Supplied
The developer behind the little community Onehunga Bay Terraces, which are already well into construction, believes it has the right mix to differentiate itself as something new for the suburb.
Avanda Group project manager Joe Holden says: "I believe we're trailblazing here with this sort of product as three-level, three-bedroom terrace homes of this quality haven't been typical in this location.
"Typically, multi-unit residential developments in Onehunga have offered smaller residences and not achieved the level of finish we'll offer.
"We think there'll be a good level of demand for new homes offering a decent amount of quality space coupled with an easy lifestyle."
Onehunga Bay Terraces will consist of six three-storey buildings; 38 three-bedroom terrace houses spread across five buildings and the sixth block comprised of six one-bedroom apartments.
Joe says the fact buyers have the surety of construction being well under way is another factor that differentiates this development from many offered of late.
He says: "Our consents have been granted, construction on a couple of blocks is already up to the third level and roofs are due to go on by the end of August."
"This is not like those purely off-the-plans projects, which may or may not go ahead depending on how many sales they manage."
Avanda Group created this 5575sq m site by acquiring five semi-industrial properties and Joe believes this change in land use will become commonplace in Onehunga's future.
He says: "Onehunga has become a sought-after city-fringe location and, while some of the industrial buildings around here are nearing the end of their lives, the land is becoming more valuable as residential."
The Onehunga Bay Terraces community will incorporate a landscaped central pocket park for all residents to enjoy. All terraces will have their own private paved courtyards plus balconies, and most apartments will have balconies.
Avanda commissioned Creative Arch, and Joe admires the cohesiveness of the designs it developed. They'll mainly use in-situ concrete accented by materials such as bricks and powder-coated aluminium panels. Finer detail will be achieved with louvres and aluminium screens between balconies and aluminium exterior balustrades.
Joe says: "The development is so named because it's only 200m from the Onehunga Bay Reserve."
This means the site is not far west of Onehunga Mall, handy to this smaller reserve and landscaped seaside Taumanu Reserve. It's walking distance to Onehunga's train station, which light rail is planned for, to cafes and shops, including Dress-Smart, and to local schools.
It is 10-minutes drive to the airport or 25 minutes in off-peak traffic to Auckland CBD.
All 38 three-storey terrace houses will have an internal-access single garage bolstered by an open-air parking spot, while one-bedroom apartments can be purchased with or without an open-air carpark.
Interior design was chosen by Duo Design, with the same finishes to feature in terraces and apartments. Kitchens with engineered stone bench tops will incorporate Fisher & Paykel appliances.
Carpet will feature throughout the living areas and bedrooms, with the latter all boasting double-width wardrobes. The stud height will typically be 2.4m although in some bedrooms it will reach 3.2m because of partially raised dormer ceilings.
Joe says: "I'd definitely be happy to live in these terraces if I was looking to downsize from where I am now."
Avanda Group's other current projects include West Edge (approximately 2000 homes being built in New Lynn) and more than 500 homes being built at Hobsonville Airfields in partnership with Auckland Council arm Panuku Development.
Onehunga Bay Terraces is scheduled to be completed at the end of quarter three 2019.