Auckland trotting club unveils $205m shopping, apartment plan

[meomy]

Auckland trotting club unveils $205m shopping, apartment plan

 

1:45 PM Friday Nov 28, 2014

 

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11365957

 

A new $205.4 million urban village with almost a half-hectare mall and 231 apartments is to rise in an Auckland horse racing club's carpark.

 

Dominique Dowding, Alexandra Park chief executive, said an Auckland Trotting Club special general meeting approved plans for the new village near the Green Lane West Rd/Manukau Rd intersection

Apartments would sell from $550,000 to more than $2.8 million for a penthouse and the new shopping centre will be on the ground floor, she predicted.

 

"Alexandra Park's 223 Green Lane West development will see the car-park adjacent to the ASB Showgrounds transformed into a mixed-use precinct comprising a 4773sq m of ground floor retail space with 231 apartments above," said a statement just released.

 

Dowding indicated the development decision was taken partly to enable the trotting club to survive.

 

"Keeping harness racing alive in Auckland for the coming decades is now looking a lot more secure. This latest support from our members' caps off what has been a great year for the club - its 125th year no less," she said.

 

The development plan was the club's biggest decision and was the key to the club's long-term viability, she said.

 

"We're lucky because Alexandra Park is seen as pretty iconic real estate. It's a very central location that's just waiting to be drastically improved. We expect the sales process to be hot, with apartments appealing to the likes of empty nesters, young urban professionals, and families seeking the much sought after double grammar zone.

 

"What we're trying to achieve here is a really attractive and stylish 21st century urban village with great design, amenities and public spaces in the heart of Epsom. Aesthetically it's going to be a huge transformation from the ugly old dust-bowl car-park to a new village with great boutique retail stores and top food and beverage. It will be a real lifestyle destination," Dowding said.

 

The Auckland Racing Club's Ellerslie land alongside the Southern Motorway has also been developed, with a group of new buildings for commercial, hospitality and medical services.

 

Last year, Alexandra Park's club president Kerry Hoggard revealed $110 million development plans.

The club had gained resource consent for a development along Green Lane West, but it hoped to slightly alter that, and believed the new proposal fitted Government and local government plans for more inner suburb dwellings in Auckland, a Herald article last October said.

 

Hoggard said racing faced its challenges, as do many industries, but a move like this is aimed at providing revenue away from the club's racing activities," said Hoggard, telling of the benefits of the money.

 

"And we can use some of that revenue to secure our future racing activities and that money will filter back into the entire harness racing industry," he said at the time.

See a map of the area here:

[Johnevans]

Well if this is a big as it reads then we can look forward to them running $20,000 maiden races. Bit of a worry that they're going to use some of the revenue on the racing. Where will the rest of it go?

[Ohokaman]

231 apartments in that space, in that area...??? It is already one of the busiest intersections in Auckland.

And $2.8m for a Penthouse..???!!! Looking at what, the Hospital presumably....sounds wonderful.

Good to see though that they are planning for the future producing income outside of racing.

Hardly new though, we were doing that there pre-2000 so why it has taken so long to get to this is a bit of a mystery.

[eljay]

 Where will the rest of it go?

Repaying loans & interest.

[DC9]

231 apartments in that space, in that area...??? It is already one of the busiest intersections in Auckland.

 

Mayor Len Clown might put in a train station. But only if it doesn't upset any taniwha.

[eljay]

Now that's something I don't think they have thought of.    You are a genius!!

[Ohokaman]

Heard Ms Dowding on Pete Early's show today mumbling on about this.

Apparently they have to pre-sell 60% of these apartments before getting this thing underway....a big gamble I would say.

She also gave out a website to see apartment details...which does not exist, or her details were wrong.

And...what's with that logo on the Alexandra Park website.... Who came up with that thing..??!!

They seem to have forgotten the reason they are there.....

[slam dunk]

I would rate the Alex Pk area as one of the least desirable to life in Auckland. Parts of Auckland are already overshopped. The only advantage is perhaps for those requiring quick access to the hospital. 

[meomy]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11367178

 

• Email Anne
• @Anne Gibson

Anne Gibson Property editor of the NZ Herald

 

Alexandra Park property plan gains pace

5:00 AM Tuesday Dec 2, 2014

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Apartments in Greenlane development are expected to be on sale from February.

 

An artist's impression shows how the planned 231 units and shopping centre development on Auckland Trotting Club land is expected to look.

Sales of apartments in the 231-unit Alexandra Park project will start early next year.

Dominique Dowding, Alexandra Park's chief executive, said apartments would be for sale from February and she predicted occupation of the Green Lane West Rd places by the end of 2016.

On Friday, the Auckland Trotting Club announced plans for units and a big new shopping precinct on part of its carpark and Dowding said issues around traffic had been dealt with.

"The project team has fully consulted with Auckland Council and Auckland Transport to ensure that the traffic corridor is managed responsibly and we will continue to work with this team throughout this development to ensure we have the best outcomes for Green Lane West.

"With respect to large shows, there is always a problem for the area when 40,000 to 50,000 people attend a show at ASB Showgrounds. The club will continue to support our ASB Showgrounds/neighbours via the parking that we will continue to make available on Campbell Cres, the Auckland Trotting Club site itself - where we will be expanding our car parking by a further 300 to 400 car parks in the not too distant future - and within our track," she said.

 

Transportblog's Patrick Reynolds said the site was on frequent bus routes linking directly to train stations. Those bus routes would soon get more bus lanes and even better service, he said.

"There is only one carpark per two- to three-bedroom apartment. This is both in its design and placement a good thing for reducing congestion in a growing city. Aucklanders are now choosing the improving public transport in increasing numbers, especially for weekday travel when congestion is worst. This kind of development right next to high-quality services is the best way for the city to grow and mitigate congestion."

Albert-Eden Local Board chairman Peter Haynes said the board backed intensification but "two major arterial roads meet almost at the front door", he said, referring to Manukau Rd and Green Lane West Rd.

"What would be the impact on traffic flows that are already problematic? Is the developer going to contribute to improvements at the intersection, for example?

"Parking is also an issue, especially since the proposed development is on the site of a carpark that gets good use when large events are happening at the race track or the ASB Showgrounds," Haynes said.

A new organisation, the Public Transport Users Association, was launched in Auckland yesterday, with the logo "improving the moving".

See the Alexandra Park site here:

[meomy]

One carpark per property, well that's too bad if you want to have visitors to pop by or stay the night who are visiting fom out of the city to say, go to the trots, isnt it?

 

 

Slam Dunk, Greenlane hospital closes bang on the dot of 5pm and isn't open on the weekends.

 

We agree with you 100% re shopping, Auckland is already way over shopped and we don't need anymore of the same.

 

One is hardly likely to get those that shop in Newmarket or Remuera goig out of there way to shop there when they have what they need in there own backyards.

 

We have also recently heard a real estate agent grizzle that they have issues with overseas investors buying up shops and leaving them empty and not been able to be tracked down which is not good fo anyone, least of all those that have shops in the area

 

There are more than enough empty shops and new houses as it is without more of the same and detacting from what used to be a pleasant area to live in and visit.

[meomy]

We would be most interested to know if all "possible and potential conflicts of interest"

have been disclosed by those behind this venture, including any from Dominique Dowding herself as using various keyword searches of her and her backgound it states online she has a history in property developments that she may have had a financial interest in.

 

We ask this to ensure that transparency is taking place,  to preserve the integrity and best interests of the Racing industry.

[DC9]

"The project team has fully consulted with Auckland Council and Auckland Transport to ensure that the traffic corridor is managed responsibly and we will continue to work with this team throughout this development to ensure we have the best outcomes for Green Lane West."

 

How do you 'responsibly manage' a gridlock situation? It can already take well over half an hour to get from Manukau Rd to Great South Rd (1km approx) when there is a 'big event' on at the Showgrounds. Throw in 231 appartments and a shopping precinct, the mind boggles. And will local iwi allow traffic to use the Cornwall Park extension short cut to Campbell Crescent to get to the remaining carpark?

[final luca]

what about a heli pad.

a 9 hole golf course

and  no doubt somewhere within  the shopping complex an up market brothel.

[meomy]

Interest heats up for Alexandra Park apartments

 

http://www.voxy.co.nz/business/interest-heats-alexandra-park-apartments/5/212667

 

Friday, 30 January, 2015 - 08:44

 

Registrations of interest are open for one, two, three-bedroom apartments and terraces at Alexandra Park’s ‘223 Green Lane West’ residential and retail development.

 

"We’re getting a lot of interest with our pre-registrations. We’re on schedule for our show home to be open by early March, and successful buyers can expect to move in by late next year. So we’re moving with pace and these are exciting times," says Alexandra Park CEO Dominique Dowding.

 

Marketed by Colliers International, those who register interest via www.apliving.co.nz or 0800-275-484 will be given further information on stage one of this new transformational urban village

 

"The sales process is off to a good start and is looking hot, with our apartments and terraces appealing to the likes of empty nesters, young urban professionals, and families seeking the much sought after double grammar zone," says Ms Dowding.

 

"Auckland has a residential housing shortage, interest rates are low, and our iconic address and central location are all helping to drive interest. Not to mention our positioning of this development as a world-class 21st century urban village."

 

Ms Dowding says best practice urban design and master planning will be at the heart of 223 Green Lane West, complete with great walkability, amenities and public spaces on its doorstep, including Cornwall Park. As well as beautifully appointed apartments and terraces, there’ll also be great high-end boutique retail stores, restaurants, food and beverage - making it a real lifestyle destination.

 

In its entirety, Alexandra Park’s 223 Green Lane West mixed-use development will see part of its existing car-park transformed into a mixed-use precinct comprising of 4,773sqm of ground floor retail space over four buildings with 231 apartments above.

 

Apartment prices will range from $550,000 through to $1.6m+ and will be sold under freehold unit titles.

 

Marketing of Alexandra Park’s new real estate offering will feature across the media from February, with further details about Auckland’s newest urban village released in the coming weeks.

[meomy]

Big plans look to revitalise Alexandra Park  

LAUREN PRIESTLEY

Last updated 11:45 09/02/2015

 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/east-bays-courier/65942875/Big-plans-look-to-revitalise-Alexandra-Park

 

Wayne Drought

 

INCREASING NUMBERS: Alexandra Park executives are hoping an influx of visitors and residents will reinvigorate the facility and the sport of harness racing.

 

 

NEW DIGS: The Blues are planning a $4 to $6 million facility at Alexandra Park.

 

Money is being pumped into Auckland's Alexandra Park in an effort to bring new life to the facility.

A more than $200 million residential and retail development is in the works for 223 Green Lane West, with registrations of interest opening on January 30.

And just this week the Blues announced they are investing between $4 and $6 million at the park to establish a new training base and headquarters.

Inviting outside faces in is a positive step, Alexandra Park chief executive Dominique Dowding said.

 

"Basically we wanted to revitalise and reinvigorate the park and harness racing itself. To do so we felt that we had land assets that were under-utilised.

 

"Harness racing is in serious decline and we're trying to push it up as a sport."

 

The two sporting codes can work together to engage the community, Dowding said.

And rugby is not a completely new thing in the area.

 

Alexandra Park was formerly known as Potter's Paddock and hosted the 14th All Blacks test in 1908.

 

"We're right smack in an excellent location . . . we're really excited about the opportunities.

 

"We just hope that both of these moves will reinvigorate the park so people come back to Alexandra Park and will embrace it as part of their community."

 

A show home for the 223 Green Lane West apartments is expected to be open by early March and the buildings completed by 2016.

 

Two of the four apartment buildings will be nine storeys high and the other two will be five storeys.

 

But Albert-Eden Local Board chairman Peter Haynes said the influx of people at Alexandra Park will put pressure on the busy junction of Manukau Rd and Green Lane West.

 

The board met with park executives to discuss the development last week, he said.

Haynes said the quality of the design is admirable but the basics also need to be covered.

 

"This is the sort of high-quality development that we need to have intensification on the isthmus but the essential infrastructure necessary does need to be provided.

 

"We still have that problem of a congested intersection at two arterial roads. It needs to be sorted."

 

Go to alexandrapark.co.nz for more information.

[meomy]

Will they have the same problems as they do at Stonefields?

 

Or other problems that are a par for the course of operating a Trotting track that has been established many, many years prior to a housing development?

 

Is there somewhere for children and adults to play so they will not end up diagnosed as suffering ADHD as some bright spark forgot that we all need outdoor areas to play in directly outside our back door?

 

Kids' flying fox irks residents at Stonefields

5:00 AM Wednesday Nov 26, 2014

 

Stonefields neighbours complain after playground opens in front of their houses

 

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11364374

 

The days of children screaming in delight as they whiz along a flying fox might be numbered at one Auckland housing development.

Signs are about to be put up and a noise assessment is under way after complaints about children making too much noise at the new playground next to the Stonefields estate.

Residents there are upset about an adventure kids' park which opened in front of their houses a few weeks ago.

A large flying fox outside their front doors bringing what they say is excessive noise and large areas of sand - used to create a landing zone beneath the equipment - are their main issues.

Alan Gilder, of Galway Bay Tce, said he didn't begrudge children the playground but he wants the flying fox and sand removed, is concerned about three tall climbing towers which he said were a potential hazard and said children endangered locals by riding bikes on footpaths.

 

"I would like the flying fox removed. It does get very noisy on the weekend and there's sand everywhere. I certainly didn't expect to have a beach on my doorstep. It gets inside. The park is awesome but they haven't put a lot of thought into it - the flying fox generates a lot of squealing."

Another resident, who has since sold her house, said meetings had been held with political representatives to resolve issues with the park.

Mr Gilder said pets defecated in the sand which created another safety hazard.

Stonefields is a joint venture between Fletcher Building and Todd Properties to develop the 2600-residence estate in a former quarry at the foot of Mt Wellington.

Fletcher Residential general manager Ken Lotu-Iiga said he had initially not been aware of issues with the park.

"We have referred a few people on to Todd but it's something that came to light when the park was constructed," he said.

Desley Simpson, chairwoman of the Orakei Local Board which funded the playground, said issues were being discussed with a view to resolution.

"We had a draft for the park outlined over a year ago and there were no houses there then. Officers are arranging for a noise assessment to check levels at the park. They are also investigating options to reduce the areas of sand in the park in order to try and mitigate issues with animals defecating in these areas. Additional signage will also be installed regarding the use of the equipment and to be considerate given the proximity of residential properties."

Auckland councillor Cameron Brewer said issues around residential playgrounds were about striking a balance between providing fun areas for children while respecting what adults wanted and needed.

"Let's not forget that this playground is only a couple of months old, is a huge success given its instant popularity, and the Orakei Local Board is well and truly on top of the issues, " Mr Brewer said.

Not much fun

• Complaints have been made about children making too much noise at the new playground

• The playground includes sand and a flying fox and children have been cycling on footpaths

• Council reps are trying to work out a solution

- NZ Herald

[wham bam]

all these grandiose schemes and they  have managed to rustle up 80 horses for the ten tote races.

 

I think they have well and truly taken their eye off the ball. are there performance targets  betting and field size- how are they going?

 

maybe all the blues fans will come to the races when they have finished watching them train- that means 5 more people-

 

 was talking to a former BIG OWNER  who hasn't been to the park since the new regime made changes to directors room.  he now has a quarter of a share in a horse and 20 -30 greyhounds and is a huge sponsor there.

 

He always had  8-10 harness horses and was a  keen buyer at the sales- everyones a loser folks.

 

but the club is flying ask the board and the ceo- maybe we could have a shooting range there on Friday nights - no danger of anybody getting hit if they aim at the punters.

[chelseacol]

Hi Shifty - what was the change to the Directors room?

[Nslram]

Why ask the board and CEO when we have you to give us all the facts Paul.

[Nslram]

And don't forget to tell us what the changes to the directors room are

[wham bam]

u know why don't u comment on the racing which is terrible and the fact owners are leaving the sport in droves- are 80 horses acceptable to u  and your board and ceo and what is your plan to make things better- do u think it will get better in winter- the fact of the matter is racing is not your focus - how many people  is your average crowd John-   and turnovers how are they going- u should know u are a big shot at the club u must take note of turnover it is core business.

 

crowds are down horses are down- turnover is down breeding is down - did u walk around he park and check out the crowd last week or don't u bother going- u should do something for your dosh like attend the racemeetings- u were appointed not elected so u are only a big shot coz your mate the president and the ceo needed another lemon.

[wham bam]

6 races so far with 2 dividends on Friday will you all be voting yourself a pay  rise- really makes me want to come and have a bet  - not-

 

again whats  the plan of the wiseheads at the club to fix this- or is it a secret.

 

you guys can root the club and all bugger off and leave it in ruins-

 

go to another project.

[Nslram]

Why don't you answer the question about the directors room changes and tell us why your big owner left racing because of them.

And name a few of the owners that are leaving the sport in droves. Might pay you to get to the sales next week and see the owners and trainers there buying up large because they know prize money is going to increase dramatically at Auckland because of the property development initiated by the board to make harness racing viable again.

At least we are trying something rather than criticising like you!!

You should also deal in facts before you shoot your mouth off. I had never met my so called mate Kerry Hoggard or the CEO before they asked me if I would be interested in joining the board but hey don't let the truth get in the way of a good story will you??

[Toblerone]

u know why don't u comment on the racing which is terrible and the fact owners are leaving the sport in droves- are 80 horses acceptable to u  and your board and ceo and what is your plan to make things better- do u think it will get better in winter- the fact of the matter is racing is not your focus - how many people  is your average crowd John-   and turnovers how are they going- u should know u are a big shot at the club u must take note of turnover it is core business.

 

crowds are down horses are down- turnover is down breeding is down - did u walk around he park and check out the crowd last week or don't u bother going- u should do something for your dosh like attend the racemeetings- u were appointed not elected so u are only a big shot coz your mate the president and the ceo needed another lemon.

 

On what basis do you claim the crowds are down? In my opinion, as a very regular attendee, they are on the improve in recent years.

[Nslram]

Toblerone crowds have been stable for the last 18 months, turnover is up, field sizes are up and prize money is up but no doubt Paul will dispute these facts despite all these figures been available from ATC and HRNZ.