44 | Wilsons Ltd: Smithfield T T Richard Loader Sized to suit, with neighbourly appeal DEVELOPMENT Partnering with Golden Homes Christchurch, Christchurch property developer Wilsons Ltd is delivering 59 new residential sections in a rural setting to the mid-Canterbury township of Ashburton. Encompassing 4.2 hectares in Smithfield Road, Smithfields borders the township, sitting just past the A&P Showgrounds. Peter Harding, financial controller for Wilsons, says the development has a focus on first- home buyers and those looking to downsize. “We wanted to offer a unique proposition for Ashburton. The location is close to town, but has a very nice rural aspect to it. We had undertaken research in the Ashburton area, and identified that there was a real shortage of properties that were available to the older demographic and empty-nesters, who were looking at downsizing from their larger family homes. “We also wanted to create something that would be easily accessible to first-home buyers. To facilitate that, we have gone for a slightly smaller section size. “There are a number of section sizes in Ashburton coming on to the market in the region of 800sqm-plus, but that typically required a 250sqm home, which can be out of the reach of first-home buyers, and the older demographic don’t want that size.” The subdivision’s neighbourly appeal is enhanced with a main drive with two off-streets and a lane at the end. The Wakanui Creek also runs through the development and has been enriched with native plantings and fencing along the banks. A small rain-collection area has also been planted out. The partnership relationship with Golden Homes, which stems from a smaller development in Christchurch, means that all sections have been purchased by the building company. “Golden Homes will offer buyers value-driven opportunities, with competitively priced and beautifully built steel-framed three- to four-bedroom homes, perfect for the demographic we are appealing to. We have retained the existing homestead in the middle of the development. That sits on 2100sqm and will be sold independently.” Peter says Christchurch-based Capture Land Development was engaged to assist with concept design, resource consent approvals, engineering design and supervision, contract administration and management and surveying. “Ashburton civil contractors Tarbotton Land & Civil were awarded the civil construction project following competitive tender. They brought with them significant local knowledge and have been incredible to work with in terms of their delivery,” Peter says.
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