58 | DEVELOPMENT Terramark Ltd: Highland Park T T Kelly Deeks Highland Park reaches completion Terramark director Chris Milburn has been involved with Highland Park since its early design phase in 2011, working closely with developer Syd Brown. Highland Park in Mosgiel has reached completion after nearly 15 years of staged development, delivering 282 residential lots and redefining amenity levels in one of Otago’s fastest-growing communities. For leading local land surveyor, Terramark, the project demonstrates the breadth of planning, surveying, and land development services the consultancy is known for, and highlights the long-term relationships that drive successful subdivision outcomes for developers, councils, and future residents. Terramark director Chris Milburn has been involved with Highland Park since its early design phase in 2011, working closely with developer Syd Brown to manage engineering design, council approvals, construction oversight, and ultimately the land transfer process required to obtain titles for each stage. Construction began in 2012 and progressed across 15 stages, making Highland Park one of Mosgiel’s most significant residential expansions in recent decades. Chris says the origins of the subdivision date back even further, with zoning changes occurring in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Terramark also supported those planning processes, and remained involved as the project matured from concept to construction-ready design. “It has been a long time in the making,” Chris says. “My direct involvement with Syd began in 2011, at the outset of the subdivision’s detailed engineering design. “Our team was responsible for securing DCC design approvals, managing the civil construction contracts, and completing the land transfer survey process through to the creation of new titles.” Highland Park was a logical extension of Mosgiel’s residential zone, positioned across Hagart-Alexander Drive on land that offered efficient construction conditions, while still needing careful engineering intervention. The flatness of the site, while beneficial for civil works and the construction of homes, proved to be the main technical challenge for Terramark’s design team. Gravity drainage for sewer and stormwater required precise levels, and tying new systems into existing council infrastructure left no margin for error. Solutions included constructing a large swale for stormwater management, designing the road network to provide efficient connectivity while accommodating secondary surface water flows, carefully sequencing earthworks to reduce environmental disturbance, and coordinating the installation of water, power, and telecommunications within a single, integrated build programme. Alongside its technical complexities, the project was driven by a clear vision for amenity. Syd wanted a subdivision that stood out aesthetically, with generous lot sizes typically ranging from 600-800sqm and a focus on open space, landscaping, and walkability, rather than maximum yield. “He wasn’t interested in squeezing everything in at the highest density and cheapest cost possible,” Chris says. “He wanted the development to appeal to the market and have quality amenity. When you drive, walk, or cycle through Highland Park you can see that attention to detail.” Feature entrance walls at each road intersection, high-quality streetscapes, feature paving, generous footpaths, parking bays, and cul-de-sacs are complemented by consistent fencing, ornamental planting, and architecturally considered street lighting. A central reserve and playground further support the sense of community the developer aimed to create. Terramark worked alongside landscape architect Kamo Marsh, landscape contractor Garden Place ITM, and main civil contractors KB Contractors and SouthRoads to bring that vision to life. Since the subdivision was completed, Syd has noted that homes in Highland Park sell very quickly, highlighting the strong appeal of the development and the high demand to live in the community. Chris says Highland Park is a strong example of the full service Terramark provides. In addition to subdivision and project management, the company provides a wide range of surveying and planning services. These include topographical surveys using drones and 3D scanning to produce detailed 0800 822 833 | www.southroads.co.nz Specialists In: • Road Construction • Road Maintenance • Drainage • Earthworks • Quarrying, material supply & transport • General Siteworks & Landscaping • Subdivisions & Driveways • Surveying & Mapping
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