Twelve opulent apartments in a premier location, with unobstructed ridge-line views, within a building imagined by internationally recognised architects Fearon Hay. This is Ponsonby Personified.
We asked What other developments has the developer been involved in? Urban Collective’s developers have over 20 years of experience developing both residential and commercial property - with more recent developments including 59 France (105 apartments), The Citizen (95 apartments), Eden Terrace commercial offices, The Kauri Timber Building, The Dylan apartments, Littles Farm lifestyle subdivision in Queenstown and many more luxury homes.
We have an established a reputation in the Auckland market for delivering quality medium density residential living for city fringe sites.
When did the developer start working on the concept?
The site came up for sale in 2019, we saw the opportunity to revitalise the Three Lamps end of Ponsonby Road, an area we know and love. We have been working on the concept since then; over four years now. Already in good company with Beau, Anabelle’s, Prego, Dizengoff, Bambina and Hotel Ponsonby a stones throw away. Plus the waterfront just down the hill, it's a brilliant part of Auckland.
What was the initial brief? Who is involved?
We invited Fearon Hay Architects to collaborate with us, and together began to understand the potential of the site, crowned by the signature heritage brick & plaster retail structures cornering Ponsonby Road and Cowan St. Fearon Hay’s architecture and urban design response establishes laneway connections that bring together new and existing buildings, successfully accommodating commercial and residential occupation. In partnership with Eke Panuku, the existing AT carpark is amalgamated into the site, allowing for the public car-parking to move underground, making room for a green space which has been expertly designed by LandLAB.
We hear it’s five floors – covering a huge 1,869m2 site. We know that Ray White in Ponsonby have taken the first floor? Exactly right, plus two levels of secure basement car parking, which is unheard of on Ponsonby Road. The development features bespoke retailers and hospitality at ground level, activated by laneways between the buildings, which open onto a landscaped plaza. Ray White Ponsonby will have state of the art auction rooms and offices on the first floor across both buildings, connected with a glass bridge. The three floors above in the new building feature 12 very generous, bespoke residences with unobstructed Ridgeline views. These are accessed by a grand sculptural stair situated in a full height light void, opening onto a formal lift lobby at every level.
What is planned for the ground floor retail spaces, and if so, what sort of businesses do you hope they will attract?
Rodd & Gunn will be occupying the north-east corner of the building with an international flagship store and restaurant, featuring a west facing outdoor dinning terrace. Alongside Rodd & Gunn we have the opportunity for a second restaurant to make the most of the Western dinning aspect.
There is a cosy little bar featuring original heritage fabric which opens into the laneway and courtyard, perfect for a sunset glass of vino. There will be some quality retailers invited into the remaining spaces, creating an eclectic mix of retail & hospitality, all spilling into the laneways.
We hear that the council had high expectations about the location in terms of the development being a landmark statement – how did that effect things from a planning point of view?
We are passionate about retaining the integrity of the architecture and our vision for the precinct which has required taking Council on the journey with us. It’s an ambitious design and we have been working through the details and consenting with Auckland Council for 4 years now. We are proud to be collaborating with Eke Panuku to move the AT carpark underground and create a green space which can be actively enjoyed by the community. The consenting timeline on this project has been extensive, however it’s paid off as we have ended up with a very unique, vibrant development.
Who do you see living in Pompallier on Ponsonby? Will there be any communal space?
Living at PoP, you have all the luxuries of a large architectural home, (generous living spaces, media rooms, sculleries, ensuites, dressing rooms, secure garaging) with the very best of Auckland at your doorstep, it’s a vibrant lifestyle in a buzzing precinct. Perfect for people moving from large homes in neighbouring suburbs looking to downsize and be right in the action, or those who need an Auckland based pad when they aren’t traveling. Communal green space in the landscaped plaza mentioned above.
Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Site works are scheduled to commence in Q4 this year, with a 22 month build program leading to a completion in Q3, 2025.
Sales are underway now off the plans, with strong interest and 5 sales already.
The apartments are very highly specified as you would expect, but foundation buyers will have the opportunity to work with our suppliers to tailor interior elements to their tastes.
12 bespoke apartments.
Level 3 & 4
1 bedroom @ 82m2 internal, plus deck and 1 carpark, from $1.85m
2 bedrooms @ 124 internal, plus decks and 2 carparks, from $3.3m
2 bedrooms + study + scullery @ 144 m2 internal, plus decks and 2 carparks, from $4.2m
3 bedrooms + media + study + scullery @ 196 to 217m2 internal, plus decks and 3 car garage, from $6.8m
Level 5 Penthouse
Choose from 3 or 4 bedroom layout + media + study + scullery @ 315m2 internal, plus 150m2 decks and 4.5 car garage, $POA.
Visit www.pop.nz
For further information: Patrick McAteer of Sotheby's on 021 664 859; or Steve Groves of Urban Collective on 021 308 000.
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Published: August 2023