84 | T T Kim Bowden Dramatic views all part of the package DEVELOPMENT Park Ridge A new neighbourhood on Queenstown’s southern corridor is gaining traction, with its first stage effectively sold out and early builds now underway. Park Ridge, marketed by Bayleys Real Estate agent Sarena Glass, is being developed in stages, with 122 sections in Stage 1 and a further release expected later this year. While growth in the corridor is nothing new – with Jack’s Point and Hanleys Farm a little further down the highway – Sarena says this project stands apart for its scale and layout. “The beauty of this neighbourhood, among those others that are out there, is it’s significantly smaller, and therefore less congested,” she says. The development includes a childcare centre, a Night ‘n Day convenience store, a playground, and what Sarena says is the only gym currently operating in the southern corridor. The aim is to reduce reliance on cars in a part of Queenstown where most residents currently commute into Frankton for everyday needs. “Everything is within walking distance, so it makes for a pretty great little self-sufficient space,” she says. Location is another drawcard, with the development positioned to capture picturepostcard views and good sun. “You’ve got pretty dramatic, Remarkables views, as well as straight up to Coronet Peak – and it’s really sunny,” Sarena says. A swathe of land adjacent to the development has been placed in a protected trust, locking in open space and those uninterrupted views. “Everything to the north has been gifted to the QEII National Trust in perpetuity – their view will never change,” Sarena says. Sections range in size from 337sqm to 826sqm, offering a mix of compact, manageable sites, and larger options for families wanting more space. The sections are aimed primarily at firsthome buyers, with flat sites designed to simplify construction and reduce costs. “It’s really efficient from a building perspective – there’s very little retaining required,” Sarena says. Most purchasers are taking a straightforward approach – securing land then working with group home builders already active in the area. Several of these companies are building show homes in Park Ridge, which Sarena says is a vote of confidence in the neighbourhood and gives buyers tangible examples of what can be achieved on-site. Planning rules are also shaping the type of community emerging. While home-andincome builds are permitted, short-term letting through platforms such as Airbnb is not, with housing intended for owneroccupiers and long‑term rentals. Beyond the neighbourhood itself, the developers have committed funding towards improving active transport links. Contributions to the Queenstown Trails Network are intended to help connect the southern corridor to Frankton and the wider trail system, providing an alternative to road travel. “They have donated a significant amount of money towards it,” Sarena says. In addition, Park Ridge is teaming up with G.J. Gardner Homes on a charity auction house, the profits from which are earmarked for the Queenstown Trails Network. Meanwhile, stage 2, set to deliver 140 more sections, is expected to launch later this year, with titles projected for mid next year. Civil Contracting & Earthworks SERVICING THE QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT OUR SERVICES +64 3 409 8280 www.basecontracting.co.nz o ice@basecontracting.co.nz CONTACT BASE • Roading • Retaining Structures • Reticulated Services • Ponds &Water Features • Bulk Earthworks • Residential Earthworks • Subdivisions • Public Infrastructure • Commercial Development • Residential Development • Demolition • Project Management
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