40 | Transland Group: Norfolk Downs Making waves in Waikato The sites are sqm, a little bit bigger than standard, and the homes just over sqm. from page 39 DEVELOPMENT Evolution Property Vision started some 30 years ago becomes real Kim Newth "Quality & workmanship we are proud of." 021 844 208 rhys@profileelectrical.co.nz Driving into Norfolk Downs, in northern Cambridge, the streets have an open and inviting feel. The location is hard to beat and, with a good mix of housing and well-designed streetscapes, it is no surprise that this neighbourhood development is a popular choice in the local real estate market. It is interesting to learn from developer Kevin Honiss, of Transland Property, that the vision for this land started some 30 years ago when much of it was still being farmed. Delivering on the vision has required resilience and a preparedness to push for change. He says there have been many council hearings through the years to achieve the desired standard of quality urban design at Norfolk Downs “I believe we now have the most advanced suburb in the Waikato,” says Kevin. “We’ve got apartments going in to ensure we meet the needs of a fit for purpose modern suburb. We’ve got a 22-apartment building and apartments above shops. We had to battle to get aordable housing into the subdivision as it was non-complying under the district plan, but our mix of housing at Norfolk Downs is now quite unique in this area.” Kevin is the founder of Transland Group and has a long track record of commercial, retail and residential developments in Auckland and the Waikato going back to the 1980s. Another local Transland development, now very well-established, is Parkwood in Morrinsville. Driving these developments is Kevin’s strong aspiration to create great communities, infused with an urban design focus on supporting healthy modern living. Norfolk Downs was planned from the start that way to provide an ideal place for people to live, work and play. “By incorporating active streetscapes, this is also a safe neighbourhood,” he observes. ȊYou won’t see any six-foot-high fences on street-facing boundaries. It’s only a 20-minute walk to town and so we are also incorporating paths and cycleways.” Norfolk Downs has a convenient location all round, close to the beautiful centre of Cambridge along with local schools, shops and restaurants. Cambridge is known as ‘The Town of Trees and Champions’ and Transland Property has added to that reputation through its own extensive planting and landscaping at Norfolk Downs. As well, the neighbourhood will soon have its own commercial centre. Kevin says construction is well underway, with a supermarket already built. Joe’s Garage is set to be another popular inclusion. “This is all part of our masterplanning and definitely something that’s needed here.” Growth and development at Norfolk Downs has gained real momentum over the past six years. Cambridge has been growing exponentially with most of that growth located to the northwest of Cambridge. By Kevin’s estimate, Norfolk Downs is now around 0 finished. Strict covenants have guided the development’s ongoing evolution to deliver a peaceful, secure way of life for residents. Good lighting, wide footpaths, reserves and other amenities underpin the quality lifestyle. “We’re building a brand-new state-of-the-art playground as we speak. Our strength is urban design and that is our 100 per cent focus.” Moving forward, small pockets of more intensive housing are planned within the community. “We set aside super-lots for this very purpose. Ζt has been great to get our first apartment building consented and we have also built three apartments above shops so far. Our planned Terraces development next to the shopping centre is also starting. That will provide a good selection of duplexes and smaller standalone housing.” For those wanting to put down roots at Norfolk Downs, Cambridge real estate agents have good listings of homes and sections with a wide variety of options available. Evolution Property was born out of a desire by Adrian and Paul for greater control of projects. They also own well-respected practice Byrne (nright Architecture, which oers extensive experience in architectural design and development consultation services for residential, multi-unit, and commercial projects. Original partner Adrian first established the successful design company in 1994. Upon his return to Hamilton from the UK in 2004, Paul initially joined Adrian as an employee, and went on to become a business partner in the newly formed Byrne & Enright Architecture in 2013. Ζt is this combined expertise and commitment to great design that has formed the foundation of Evolution Property, says Adrian. The pair, who oer over 0 years of experience in the architectural design and development consultation fields, take a hands-on approach to Evolution Property’s projects, both having input in the design and overseeing projects to ensure everything is built as envisaged. “We were doing successful projects for our clients, so using our skill sets for our own developments was a vision we always had,” says Paul. “There is a lot of satisfaction being able to control the whole process from start to finish. Delivering well designed projects to highly satisfied clients is very rewarding,ȋ says Adrian. Their focus on the Hamilton region for development, and Auckland to Coromandel and the Waikato for their architectural practice has allowed them to build strong working relationships with local authorities and consultants, adding even greater value to projects. With a growing number of highly successful projects delivered in Hamilton – Marshall Street, Ford Street, Teddy Street, Cameron Road, Albert Street and Rata Street to name but a few - already the quality of finish in their projects and the feedback from many of their customers has told them that their developments stand out. Adrian says no two projects are the same and each is designed to suit the specific site and neighbourhood to oer great value to buyers and the city alike. The aim is to enhance the local district through great urban design, and Evolution Property is proud to be a part of the city’s journey as it evolves. Adrian and Paul are always on the lookout for the next opportunity, and are also embarking on another proMect on Riȵe Range Road comprising two townhouses. They have other developments in the pipeline and relish the opportunity to continue to deliver unique and stylish properties to the Hamilton market. “We were doing successful projects for our clients, so using our skill sets for our own developments was a vision we always had.ȋ
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