Landmark buildings to rise in New Lynn

Two substantial freehold sites in New Lynn, Auckland, are now available for sale after generations of public ownership, offering a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of Auckland’s fastest growing and well-connected metropolitan centres.

Together spanning 4,466 square metres (more or less) on either side of McCrae Way, the sites are strategically located at a key ‘gateway’ to New Lynn’s Merchant Quarter precinct, the centre of a major revitalisation of this west Auckland suburban hub.

Currently primarily used for parking, the land is being sold with agreed development outcomes, paving the way for high-quality, multi-storey residential, commercial or mixed-use projects with quality architecture and visual appeal befitting this location.

Just one block from the New Lynn transport interchange and LynnMall shopping centre, the sites fall within the New Lynn Metropolitan Centre zone, one of a handful of Auckland growth nodes that are second only to the city centre in scale and intensity.

Located at 18 Totara Avenue and 41 McCrae Way, the properties are being marketed by Mike Adams, Jason Seymour and Wesley Gerber of Bayleys Real Estate. They are available for purchase individually or together via deadline private treaty, closing Wednesday 3rd December.

The McCrae Way property comprises some 2,384 square metres of land, primarily used for parking with no existing buildings. The section on Totara Avenue spans approximately 2,082 square metres and includes the existing façade of the historic Oag’s Building.

“This is a generational opportunity to deliver a bold, transformative vision for New Lynn,” Adams said.

“Auckland Council’s New Lynn Urban Plan outlines a long-term strategy to transform this suburb into a vibrant, high-density, transit-oriented hub, supported by significant public and private investment.

“These sites are ideally positioned to offer a unique opportunity for developers, joint-venture partners, investors and owner-occupiers to acquire or support the development of two exceptional land parcels ripe to deliver signature buildings that help bring this vision to life,” said Adams.

Seymour said future development would be subject to specific requirements regarding building design, scale and use, which will form part of the sale and purchase agreement/development agreement between the vendors and the successful buyer or development partner.

“Minimum building heights are set at four storeys for McCrae Way and three storeys for Totara Avenue, with the Business - Metropolitan Centre zoning allowing for up to 72.5 metres. Both developments must meet high standards of design, materials and sustainability,” Seymour said.

The McCrae Way building is envisioned to feature an extensive curved frontage tracing the bend of the thoroughfare, acknowledging its role as a ‘gateway’ building into the heart of Merchant Quarter. Ground-level retail or other active uses will be complemented by upper-level offices, apartments or other accommodation. The complex will have at least a 6 Homestar or 5 Green Star sustainability rating.

The Totara Avenue development will benefit from three street frontages: Totara Avenue, McCorquindale Lane and McCrae Way. It will include at least 50 homes with a minimum 6 Homestar rating. Auckland Council is willing to contribute to the costs associated with restoring and retaining the 100-year-old Oag’s Building façade into the resulting development, which is expected to be completed by 2029.

Gerber said projects in this strategic location would be supported by proven demand drivers.

“The New Lynn Metropolitan Centre is a well-established hub of successful retail and commercial businesses. Activity and demand are supported by seamless links to key arterial routes and superb public transport, which will take a further step up when the City Rail Link opens.

“A growing population, diverse workforce and proximity to employment underpin long-term demand for housing and commercial space - ticking key boxes for future development,” Gerber said.