22 | Options galore at Parklands Parklands offers residents plenty of scope for walking, cycling and enjoying nature. Napier City Council: Parklands Residential Estate T T Sue Russell REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The history of Parklands Residential Estate in Napier stretches back to the late 1980s when an agreement was struck between local government and harbour authorities, which resulted in Napier City Council being gifted the area the estate is being developed on. In return for looking after the inner-harbour, Council was gifted a considerable area of land, created when Napier’s famous earthquake of 3 February 1931 thrust large blocks of land upward. “This one moment in time permanently and violently changed much of the landscape near Napier and through the Heretaunga plains beyond,” says Richard Munneke, commercial director at Napier City Council. The decision by Council to invest in the land was hastened by the fact that development was ‘patchy’ in Napier. They saw the potential to create something rather special to boost the city and region’s economy and to offer home owners an attractive option for a community to settle into. It has also allowed Council to invest profits back into council and community infrastructure, such as the expansion of the Pettigrew Green Arena indoor sports area, completed in 2023. Situated on 120ha of the former Lagoon Farm site, Parklands offers residents plenty of scope for walking, cycling and enjoying nature. Precincts of homes have been very carefully considered to provide plenty of living options, from stand-alone, to two-storey detached and semi-detached dwellings in key locations. Richard Munneke and his team are enthusiastic about the development’s potential and are keen to talk about what a wonderful location Parklands Residential Estate is. “Those living here can walk to shops, parks, playgrounds and large open recreation spaces. Streets have been carefully laid out to add visual interest and engagement for owners,” says Richard. Sections come in an array of sizes, to meet potential owners’ financial situation and lifestyle preferences. When Business Central spoke with the team, Lots in Stages 9 and 10 had been released on to the market. These will be sold by negotiation, a process Richard says has proven to work very well. “We provide those potentially interested with an indicative price range for each section and invite them to submit an expression of interest, from which we select those who have been successful.” As with many property developers, the rather challenging market conditions that characterised 2023 have continued on to some effect this year. Richard describes the current market as a somewhat ‘fearful’ time, but sees light at the end of the tunnel, with interest from home investors beginning to stir. Parklands is ideally located for easy access to main transport routes, into the city and beyond. “Connectivity in terms of shared pathways is something we’ve really thought through. We want people to feel they can easily walk or bike around the estate and to other destinations close by.” Covenants exist over what can be built, driven by a desire from Council to see Parklands Residential Estate maintain a high standard of look and presentation. “For us, it’s about setting a benchmark with what a good suburb or development looks like. The street-scape, variety of homes, size and shape of roading, all play a part in setting the standard,” says Richard. Parklands Residential Estate has its own website full of information for viewers to access. www.parklandsnapier.co.nz “We are certainly pleased with what has been achieved so far. We believe Parklands really reflects our vision for a sustainable and high quality residential suburb,” Richard says. • Subdivision, land use and development advice • Flood risk assessments and stormwater design solutions • Roading and construction setout • Boudary adjustments • Civil design and draughting • Project management • As-built surveys • 3D laser scanning • Drone surveys +64 6 835 2096 18 Bower Street, Napier engineers | surveyors | planners Napier | Taupō | Hamilton | Rotorua | Taumarunui | Ohakune Proud to be involved with the Napier City Council Parklands Development
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=