2 May 2012

St Kilda development breaks ground in Cambridge

Two and a half years after gaining resource consents, earthworks have begun three kilometres outside the town of Cambridge to create the much-anticipated St Kilda subdivision.

St Kilda co-founder, Matt Smith, says, “We’ve finally broken ground on our 80 hectare development after working through some critical issues.

“Properties are now on the market, with 72 sections available in our first release. A total of 285 sections will be developed and offered for purchase over five releases within the next five to eight years.”

Section sizes at St Kilda will average around 1600 square metres with prices in the first release ranging from $235,000 to $285,000.

Waipa District Council Mayor, Alan Livingston, lent his support to subdivision developers, saying, "It is great to have another Cambridge residential development get underway and it promises to provide a subdivision of which the community will be proud.

“The developers’ initiatives provide energy efficiency, are eco friendly and have a very high standard of infrastructure. Along with large recreation areas, wetlands and cycle ways, St Kilda is an exciting addition to Cambridge."

Mr Smith, who developed the Saffron residential property development in Cambridge, says his vision for St Kilda is to create one of New Zealand’s most energy- and resource-efficient community precincts.

“We’ve been planning the St Kilda development for nearly seven years and announced our intentions to create the St Kilda community in 2009.

“During our extensive planning and development process, I’ve personally been researching energy-efficient and resource-efficient developments in Australia, Europe and the US. Our plan is to take the best ideas from around the world and create one of the most efficient subdivisions in New Zealand.

“Our development isn’t just about building green houses, but building an entire community precinct based on clever thinking. That means utilising the best technologies and community design to ensure smart use of resources to future-proof residents’ assets and lifestyles,” he explains.

Mr Smith says around 20% of St Kilda will consist of parks, reserves and wetlands.

“Eight hectares of our development will incorporate two wetlands as well as extensive parks and reserves.

“We’ll also have several kilometres of cycleways and footpaths. This great environment will foster a healthy community culture, which is one of our primary objectives for St Kilda,” says Mr Smith.

St Kilda Waterways: quick facts

• 3km outside of Cambridge
• 80 hectare development
• 4 hectares of wetlands, parks & reserves
• 285 sections
• Average site size: 1600 square metres
• Section price: $230k-$265
• 7k of cycleways/footpaths
• Non-gated, open to the public
• Onsite cafe

ENDS

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