| 53 T T Kim Newth Building repurposed for Uni students The 1929 heritage-listed building on Lorne Street in central Auckland is undergoing an exciting transformation to provide quality student amenities and accommodation. McConnell Property Ltd: Student Accommodation DEVELOPMENT A 1929 heritage-listed building on Lorne Street in central Auckland is undergoing an exciting transformation to provide quality student amenities and accommodation, located just a stone’s throw from the University of Auckland and AUT. With a construction value of $130m, this is a significant investment in the central city. The building’s heritage façade is being strengthened and refurbished, while the interior is being repurposed to provide student amenities and commercial spaces. Tastefully set back within the heritage envelope, a new 18-storey apartment tower is fast taking shape. Set to be completed in October 2025, it will provide 780 student living quarters – each with its own ensuite bathroom – designed to Greenstar 5-star standard. McConnell Property, one of New Zealand’s largest master plan developers, is project- managing the development on behalf of property investment manager, Cedar Pacific. “We have been working with Cedar Pacific on build-to-rent projects, including in Takapuna,” says Tony McKee, who is leading this development for McConnell Property. “During Covid, Cedar Pacific wanted to push ahead with Lorne St, but because they couldn’t travel here from Australia, they called on us to manage the development for them.” Other key McConnell Property personnel on this project are Aimee Cornish (development manager) and Corey Penney (development manager and financial analyst). “We managed the design right through from the concept to developed design and lodging of resource consent, and then engaged Icon Construction as the head contractor. “We did four months’ worth of soft stripout and asbestos removal before the main contract construction started in May 2023. We have pulled together a really strong team – that also includes architect Ashton Mitchell, resource management consultancy Planning Focus and building services engineer 22 Degrees – to efficiently deliver this unique project.” Consultation with Auckland Council and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga paved the way to the project’s clever design solution that places the new accommodation tower above the existing building, but set back by 10 metres to give the old frontage the prominence it deserves. “We have retained the heritage street front and one bay of the existing building, and are building a new podium and tower in behind that. That podium area is where the student amenities will be, such as study spaces, theatre, games area and gym. Once finished, students using the gym will have a lovely view of the street looking out through the old windows. This is a really exciting adaptive reuse of a heritage building that is going to give it a new lease of life.” Larger apartment rooms have been placed around the perimeter of the heritage building, set out to work with the heritage windows, and an outdoor terrace on level four, set behind the heritage parapet, provides a north-facing outside area for students. Student accommodation in the new tower will be largely single-occupancy, galley-style studio rooms, each with an ensuite. Bathroom pods were prefabricated off-site to streamline and simplify the construction process. There are accessibility rooms on each floor and some double rooms as well. Most rooms will have their own kitchens, with two floors utilising a communal kitchen on level 4. In line with the Greenstar 5-star standard, this energy-efficient building will feature high-performance glazing and fittings, along with smart building services. Proud to support McConnell Property Ltd DODD CIVIL CONSULTANTS Down To Earth Personal Service www.doddcivil.co.nz Ph: 09 296 5543 admin@doddcivil.co.nz Our Services Include: • Subdivision & Land Development • Commercial & Industrial • Schools • Resource Consents • Construction Management • Planning CIVIL ENGINEERING For your commercial joinery needs, contact | tenders@cabtec.co.nz | 0508 454 824 COMMERCIAL JOINERY SPECIALISTS Smart solutions, quality materials and a high standard of workmanship - since 1993. Proud to support McConnell Property Ltd
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