SMART PLANNING, SMART LOOK
A mix of architectural styles has created an appealing environment for home buyers in Auckland’s south east, writes Leigh Bramwell
The McLennan development at Takanini was named for a family of canny Scottish settlers who bought land there in the mid-19th century.
Canny also is the way stakeholders around 170 years on have been able to provide affordable houses on the land.
The McLennan name has been part of Papakura’s history since three farming brothers, Donald, Ewan and Duncan, each bought neighbouring plots of scrubland in the district. McLennan families owned the properties for almost a century.
These days, McLennan is a 24ha site bordered on Liberation Rd where Papakura meets Takanini. It occupies the old Takanini military base, and is on the doorstep of Clevedon and the Hunua Ranges.
The new homes are being built alongside recreational parks and meeting demand for quality, affordable housing in Auckland’s south-east.
The infrastructure and master plan for the development has been provided by Housing New Zealand, with the support of Development Advisory Services and Studio Pacific Architecture.
It’s strengthened by a number of covenants designed to ensure quality and consistency, to support the building of communities, and to prevent land banking and speculation.
One such covenant is the requirement for the new homes to be owner-occupied rather than bought for investment.
McLennan will eventually feature over 650 architecturally-designed houses at a variety of price points and of these, more than 400 are already occupied.
The sizes range from two to five bedrooms with a mix of single and double storeys, stand-alone and terrace houses. Different designs, materials and colours cater for a mix of home buyers.
“The look and feel is good, and we’ve used lots of different architects to get variation within a theme,” says Housing New Zealand project manager Giles Tait.
There are 90 KiwiBuild houses all with double glazing, insulation, landscaping, north or northwest facing outdoor areas, and off-street parking.
All of the Kiwibuild houses are finished and a selection of one, two and three-bedroom layouts are available for direct sale to KiwiBuild buyers (eligibility criteria applies).
Houses are located around laneways designed to reduce traffic flow and make stepping outside safer, quieter and friendlier. The addition of ‘pocket’ parks provides access to green space and safe play areas for kids.
Tait says the community focus is the best thing about McLennan. “All the houses apart from about 15 per cent are owner-occupied.
“The owners have got to know their neighbours, and have taken part in events organised by residents to enable people to get to know each other. I like the community feeling here.”