26 | The Kilns T T Karen Phelps Location a big drawcard at The Kilns The Kilns development aims to create a unique residential community comprising 49 houses. DEVELOPMENT A unique and picturesque piece of land in the heart of Warkworth, known as ‘The Kilns’, is set to go on the market. The piece of real estate has garnered considerable attention due to its potential for development. Developer Denis Horner, a seasoned property developer with over 40 years of experience and a tertiary-qualified civil engineer, is behind the venture. The Kilns site, situated at 34 and 36 Sandspit Road, is part of a significant ecological area and features natural and historic heritage overlays. Under its Unitary Plan zoning as Future Urban the site was deemed non-complying. A private plan change application was successful earlier this year to rezone the land as Residential Mixed Housing Urban while also making alterations to heritage and outstanding natural landscape overlays. What sets this development apart, says Denis, is a commitment to preserving the heritage and ecological values of the site. The area includes old kilns, remnants of an old tramway and extensive native bush, which will be retained as part of the development and also opened up to the public. The plan includes providing new paths and reserves that will allow residents and visitors to explore the area, learning about its historical significance and enjoying the natural surroundings. Denis says The Kilns development aims to create a unique residential community comprising 49 houses. The proposed housing mix includes 13 three-storey terraced houses, 10 two-storey duplexes, four two-storey houses, 15 two-storey terraces, six one-storey duplexes, and one single-storey house. The development will also introduce a new road off Sandspit Road, which involves re-contouring the road berm to improve sightlines and create a right-turn bay. In addition new public walkways will be constructed to allow pedestrian access to Warkworth town centre through Millstream Place. Denis says these pathways will provide convenient connections for residents and encourage walking in the area. With the Matakana Coastal Trail, a cycle and walkway from Pūhoi in the south, spanning the Matakana Coast region to Mangawhai in the north, located nearby Denis says he has worked with the trust organising this trail to ensure there is good pedestrian and cycle access through the site if they want to extend the trail in the future. “By utilizing the land and infrastructure efficiently for much-needed housing and providing reserves and public access to the riverbank and town centre, the development aims to benefit the community and the environment,” he says. He says for developers one of the standout features of The Kilns is its location. The site is ideally positioned close to Warkworth’s town centre, offering a unique opportunity for high-quality, intensive development. With a town centre in close walking distance, the project aligns well with the National Policy Statement - Urban Development, which encourages such urban intensification. This approach not only makes practical sense but also appeals to potential homeowners who are attracted to living in proximity to a vibrant town centre, he says. As the development of The Kilns has already received resource consent after a planning process involved a public hearing earlier this year, a developer could start the project quickly after engineering plan approval, says Denis. “I was originally planning to develop it myself. But I’m 73 and have done a number of these projects so I want to spend more time playing golf, going fishing and travelling,” says Denis. “This exceptional piece of land offers a unique opportunity for development. It is rare to find land that is ready for development, particularly in an area like Warkworth, where the council has paused giving consents for bare blocks of land until infrastructure catches up. Dependable Service / Reliable Results Our helpful & knowledgeable staff have 150+ years of combined industry experience, meaning you can rest assured your next project is in safe hands. Levels 2 & 3, 1B Buscomb Avenue, Henderson 0610, Auckland Phone 09 836 3888 | www.teamtraffic.co.nz Proud to Support The Kilns Experts in field. Comprehensive land surveying & planning services since 1960. 0800 282 586 | www.buckton.co.nz PL ANNING THE WARKWORTH OFFICE 27 Percy Street SILVERDALE OFFICE 3 Hibiscus Coast Highway Burnette O’Connor - Planner | Director Diana Bell - Planner | Manager burnette@thepc.co.nz | +64 21 422 346 diana@thepc.co.nz | +64 21 382 000 www.thepc.co.nz
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