Business North May 2021

| 19 Wilshire Group Creating a connected community T T Karen Phelps Richmond’s adjoining terrace houses, pocket parks, community groups and events all help in creating life-long relationships for its residents. DEVELOPMENT T he recent release of stage four of mas - terplanned development Richmond, in Mt Wellington, Auckland, will see 111 homes, primarily terraced houses, delivered to the market. There are also two freestanding homes. General manager sales of developer Wilshire Group, Christie Wrightson, says that stage four, called Fellow, is considered the “heart” of Richmond as it is located in the middle of the development. Context architect and Richmond project lead Taulata Gjerqeku says that the design of Richmond Stage 4 offers a contemporary urban atmosphere and comfortable lifestyle feel that caters to today’s homebuyers. “In collaboration with Wilshire, our integrated design team has created a thoughtful, con - sidered development that prioritises connec - tivity and community, stimulates interaction between residents and provides people with spaces they’re proud to call home,” she explains. Christie says that Richmond’s adjoining terrace houses, pocket parks, community groups and events all help in creating life-long relationships for its residents. “Richmond epitomises the ethos of con - nected community living, and nowhere more so than Fellow. A harmonious community has been created through a series of walkable neighbourhoods, connected public places, lush landscaping and tree-lined streets. It has its own residents’ association and includes pocket parks, herb gardens and community events that enable Richmond to be a place where a new neighbourhood and community is built and families come together to create long lasting friendships,” says Christie. It’s no surprise that Richmond has attracted predominantly first home buyers and Fellow is no exception. Fellow offers a range of two bedrooms (some plus study), three and four bedroom options. The homes in Fellow are clad in a low maintenance mix of brick, weatherboard and long run iron. Each terrace house boasts a master suite upstairs and is specifically designed for easy indoor-outdoor flow downstairs, says Christie. “The open plan living zone merges with an alfresco area, bringing living spaces outside and inviting abundant natural light in. Clever configuration and integrated cabinetry means there’s lots of storage space while still achiev - ing a clean and minimalistic look that makes the most of its footprint,” she explains. Kitchens include Bosch appliances, soft close drawer and stone bench tops. The homes are also future proofed with features including a 15 amp power point to plug in and charge an electric car, digital combination front door lock and outdoor sensor lights. Double-glazing, low water plumbing and other energy saving initiatives include LED lighting and eco-timers on the heated towel rails. Christie says that Wilshire Group’s focus is on delivering great homes for New Zea - landers. It has a team of property specialists in-house to manage projects successfully and then partners with the best consultants and contractors to complete its developments to a high quality. Richmond is situated within walking dis - tance to schools and just a five-minute drive to the shops, restaurants and entertainment at Sylvia Park. Mt Smart Stadium is less than 10 minutes away too. Fellow was launched in January and is already over 70% sold. “Buzzing with the character and vitality of go-getting professionals, couples and families, Fellow isn’t just about where you live, but how you live. “Fellow is a rare chance to join one of Auck - land’s most exciting new neighbourhoods, which brings together all the best things in life.”