The first stage of the property development planned for the site of the former Howick Police station is expected to be completed by October next year.
The site at 34 Moore Street is among the numerous formerly Auckland Council-owned properties sold in an effort to raise money from “asset recycling”.
Its sales process was managed by council agency Eke Panuku Development Auckland.
The land contains the empty building that served as the Counties Manukau East Police headquarters before construction of the current police HQ in Ormiston Road, Flat Bush.
Prior to being used by police the building was the Howick Borough Council Chambers.
The small portable building used as the Howick Police station, accessed from Fencible Drive, was removed from the site in early 2022.
Auckland-based residential developers D3 Development has purchased the land and plans to build 31 two- and three-bedroom townhouses on it.
The development is named The Oaken Residences.
A large timber wall featuring a rendition of how the completed project will look was recently erected at the site.
Construction will start in September this year with a target completion date for stage one of October 2024.
D3 director Scott Illingworth says it will enhance the community while providing high-quality houses at an affordable price point.
“The Oaken Residences support the Howick village vision for an attractive, lively and walkable village that celebrates its history and provides a strong sense of identity and community.
“Our townhouses are architecturally designed to reflect the aesthetics of Howick using form, scale, and quality materials that complement the historical village and will stand the test of time.”
Illingworth says D3 is working closely with Eke Panuku to ensure the development meets the essential design outcomes stipulated as part of the sales agreement, including those related to the Howick Village Centre Plan, parking and access, density, sustainability, and design.
He says D3 is passionate about delivering sustainable brand-new homes that make everyday living stress-free.
“The Oaken Residences will be highly liveable, well connected to public transport links and local amenities, have excellent energy efficiency, and the option for bike parking and composting.
“We believe they will be an asset to the Howick community.”
Illingworth previously told the Times the company’s plans require the removal of the existing dilapidated and unsafe building, which was “no longer weather-tight, but is earthquake prone and constructed from hazardous materials”.
“We’re looking forward to delivering a quality residential project for the Howick village,” he says.
Harcourts Howick and Pakuranga is marketing the properties for sale and according to its website they’re priced from $1,250,000.
“Oaken Residences is a place to call home for all stages and ages, offering relaxed village living within a family-friendly neighbourhood and a wonderful community vibe,” the advert states.
“Genuinely a minute’s walk from the middle of Howick village, alive with its popular cafés, restaurants, boutique shopping, Monterey Cinema, the famous Saturday morning markets, public transport, supermarket, medical centres, pharmacies, parks, bowling club, [and] tennis club.”
D3 Development is a privately-owned New Zealand company that has experience completing projects in Auckland and Tauranga.
