Takapuna's old fire station on the shore of the North Shore's picturesque Lake Pupuke is up for sale offering a purchaser with vision numerous commercial and residential development options.
"Until now, developers have only been able to dream about the potential of this site which is also flanked by beautifulKillarney Park," says Andrew Bruce of NAI Harcourts North Shore.
Bruce and his colleague Rob Meister are exclusively marketing 41-43 Killarney Street on behalf of the New Zealand Fire Service with tenders closing at 4 pm on Thursday, April 9.
Tenders must be delivered to NAI Harcourts North Shore office at 128 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna and the property will not be sold prior to the tender deadline.
"A top grade site of this size, located in one of New Zealand's most liveable suburbs, is a rare thing and we expect interest will be very high," Bruce says.
The 4737 sq m freehold property is surplus to Fire Service requirements following the relocation of the Takapuna fire station to new purpose-built premises on Wairau Rd. Proceeds from the sale will contribute towards the cost of the new Takapuna fire station and other planned construction such as the rebuild of Christchurch fire stations or the construction of a new station in East Coast Bays.
The fire station and administration buildings include the original 1952 single storied fire station of 134 sq m; the larger multi-level 1959 fire station with accompanying training tower encompassing 1530 sq m; a 1972 fire training building and a double garage in the north western corner of the site.
The near-rectangular shaped property has a wide frontage Killarney St of about 80 metres and is bordered on two sides by Killarney Park. The southern end of Lake Pupuke is less than a 150 metre walk through the park.
Bruce says land for residential property in Auckland is at critical levels "so a high-quality residential development in a world-class location like this would be a perfect fit.
Street view of the Takapuna fire station.
"With potential views over both Lake Pupuke and Killarney Park; the popular Takapuna Beach less than one kilometre away; and a vibrant café, retail and bar precinct within easy walking distance; this stunning site is ideally suited to a quality multi-residence complex with a real difference," he says.
Meister says that developers and buyers with a creative flair may wish to consider converting the industrial-era fire station buildings to alternative uses but non-residential uses would require Auckland Council consent.
"These structures offer a unique opportunity in their own right such as refurbishment into a medical, childcare or educational centre; an art gallery; boutique accommodation or for community uses," Meister says.
He says the location of quality schools within a short distance of the property, including Takapuna Normal Intermediate, Rosmini College, Takapuna Grammar, Westlake Boys and Westlake Girls high schools also argues in favour of residential development.
The land occupied by the fire station is currently zoned Residential 2B and Mixed Housing Suburban under the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan.
Rob Meister of NAI Harcourts North Shore.
The latter future zoning, allowing for more intensive development, applies to selected areas that have a high standard of natural assets, with the designation seeking to ensure that these are recognised and protected.
"Dwellings within the proposed Mixed Housing Suburban zoning will generally be two storey detached and attached housing in a variety of types and sizes to provide housing choice," Meister says.
"The zone encourages new housing types, including attached housing on smaller sites facing the street. Through the resource consent process, four or more dwellings at a higher density may be built on large sites with wide road frontages. This is because larger sites are capable of accommodating a wider range of housing types, integrating development into the neighbourhood and achieving high quality on-site amenity."
Bruce says the current economic market characterised by low interest rates and a rising population numbers makes residential property development a sound long-term investment. "Takapuna is a highly sought after residential location that offers the perfect balance of outdoor lifestyle, restaurants and entertainment, retail shopping, weekend markets, business and commerce.
"A property of this size and in this outstanding location represents a once in a lifetime opportunity for a developer," Bruce says.
