Up to 400 residential sections are planned for the terraces near the Shotover and Kawarau river delta flats just east of Frankton near Queenstown.
Friday, September 7th 2007, 12:00AM
by The Landlord
The sections will be priced to provide entry-level three-bedroom detached housing for Queenstown families.
The site lies east of the Shotover River almost next door to the existing Lake Hayes Estate neighbourhood and close to existing communities at Frankton and Quail Rise.
Once established, the neighbourhood will be the fruition of a long held vision by local farmers Grant and Sharyn Stalker. The pair believes that as long-term landowners and in conjunction with similarly positioned adjoining landowners, they can offer sections at lower prices than anything currently on the market.
“We have looked at this land for years and thought how perfect it is for residential housing,” says Mr Stalker. “Watching the land values rise so quickly over the past few years and fearing the next generation wouldn’t be able to enter the local market has really driven us to work on delivering this option.”
The Stalkers believe the Lower Shotover area should be identified as being able to provide for community requirements arising out of growth pressures.
“The site is Queenstown’s next logical location for entry-level priced family housing. It’s a perfect location for families who want to live in traditional Kiwi style – a three-bedroom home with enough land for a garden and play area for the kids. The popularity of Lake Hayes Estate and Quail Rise proves this lifestyle is still the aim of most New Zealand families. There’s also room for schools and recreational facilities which can be safely reached from adjoining neighbourhoods through the development of an extensive trail network suitable for horse, cycle, pram and foot traffic.”
The terraces provide flat areas that are inexpensive to build on and offer many natural outdoor amenities.
“They are flat terraces with potential for development that will have minimal visual or landscape impact,” says Mr Stalker.
The area is already fully serviced with power, telecommunications, water supply and road access and can be easily connected to the QLDC wastewater treatment facilities by the Shotover River.
The Stalkers’ say that Queenstown growth has been astounding.
“It’s happened so much faster than we ever expected and Queenstown now has very limited opportunities for the development of low density housing for a growing population of long-term residents,” says Mr Stalker.
