70 | RCL Group DEVELOPMENT for our people and communities Creating a legacy Civil Construction • Surfacing • Landscaping • Grounds keeping • Vegetation Maintenance www.whitestone.co.nz 0800 109 101 | info@whitestone.co.nz Proudly supporting RCL Group at Homestead Bay T T Karen Phelps Homestead Bay gaining momentum Homestead Bay will have privately managed infrastructure through a resident-owned incorporated society. “Designed for families, adventurers and those seeking a balanced lifestyle, this community will blend natural beauty with modern convenience, with Frankton Town Centre located just 15 minutes away.” Strong early demand for sections in Homestead Bay at Queenstown is signalling confidence in the master-planned lakeside community. Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Homestead Bay will ultimately comprise 1,438 sections, superlots for medium and high-density development and a commercial centre. The development is planned to provide the equivalent of more than 2,500 dwellings, creating a community where residents can live, work and play. David Wightman, CEO of RCL Group, the developer behind the project, says there have already been around 220 pre-sales for Stage One. “We’ve been very happy with the response from the market and will look to do new releases later this year,” says David. “We are not land bankers, we are active land developers, so we like to keep a supply of sections coming into the market,” he says. Homestead Bay received fast-track approval in late February making it the first major fast-track approval in Queenstown. An early works programme began at the same time and is still underway with earthworks expected to be completed by November. Civil works are scheduled to begin in early September. Stage One comprises 271 sections with completion expected in late 2027. Once titles are issued, homeowners will be able to begin construction. David says demand has been boosted by limited land supply and the developer’s established track record in the area through the successful development of Hanley’s Farm. “Homestead Bay is larger in scale and offers expansive views across Lake Wakatipu towards the mountains. The terrain is more undulating than Hanley’s Farm but the development is incorporating retaining walls and flat, buildable platforms to make the most of the land.” David says the development is also designed to encourage people to build homes rather than simply hold land. “The covenants will say that if you buy a section you need to build a house on it if you want to sell the section,” he says. “That’s all about increasing supply in the area to address the housing crisis. We want to be part of the solution.” Sections are being sold primarily directly to the public with some also being purchased by housing companies. A display village will showcase homes from builders including Golden Homes, GJ Gardner Homes, Jennian Homes, Mike Greer Homes and Trident Homes. Owner-occupiers are expected to form a significant proportion of the community. “We had a high owner-occupier market share at Hanley’s Farm and we expect the same at Homestead Bay,” says David. A key difference is that Homestead Bay will have privately managed infrastructure through a resident-owned incorporated society. The society will own and maintain essential infrastructure including internal roads and independent water and wastewater systems, as well as some parks and open spaces. The development will also feature a local commercial centre, including retail and supermarket space, and early stages include a park and trail connection to the lake foreshore. With Queenstown facing ongoing traffic congestion, the developer is investigating alternative transport options. “The lake is a tremendous resource as a recreation space but it also provides transport for different transport modes like ferries,” says David. “We are in talks with Queenstown Ferries about potentially starting a service to Homestead Bay.” David says Homestead Bay offers a rare opportunity for people to build their future in one of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes. “Designed for families, adventurers and those seeking a balanced lifestyle, this community will blend natural beauty with modern convenience, with Frankton Town Centre located just 15 minutes away. “With wide-open spaces, thoughtfully designed homes, and a community built for connection, Homestead Bay will be a place where life feels both relaxed and full of possibility. It will be a lifestyle where families, friends, and neighbours come together to make the most of every moment.”
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