The fortuitous purchase more than 30 years ago of a residential investment property at 129 Mokoia Road, five minutes’ stroll from Birkenhead’s commercial centre is giving rise to a boutique medium-rise development “Jewel” Apartments and its splendid views.
Born-and-bred Birkenhead resident, kiwifruit farmer, botany enthusiast and former 1980s Birkenhead councillor, Graham Milne, who is the developer behind Jewel Apartments, has long been interested in property.
Lochore’s Real Estate agent Chris Gemmell says, “This has turned out to be such a strategic site, not only because of its great proximity to the commercial centre but also because the apartment block to be built there will have beautiful views.
“We have drone footage available showing how upper floors in particular will look back over towards Takapuna, Rangitoto, the gulf and also to the CBD and its sparkling night lights.”
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That home which used to be on site has already been demolished to make way for Jewel’s 10 apartments to be constructed in a five-level-plus-basement, concrete and Nuwall aluminium building designed by Allan Taylor Architects.
“Graham cares deeply about spaces and people and is determined this building will be completed to a very high standard, complemented by soft planting and extra features,” Gemmell says.
“He intends to retain one of the top level’s two penthouse apartments to live in himself.”
Milne chose the name Jewel being hugely impressed by the quality of the nature-themed retail-entertainment complex ‘Jewel’ inside Singapore’s world-class Changi Airport.
“Each floor will offer only two air-conditioned apartments positioned back-to-back on a carefully designed axis to maximise the sweeping views, elevated ridgeline location and sunshine.”
Excavation is set to commence within the next month.
The just-launched, first-stage pre-construction release of five apartments being sold off the plans targets sales before the building starts to rise.
“There’s a distinct advantage in purchasing early as Graham has confirmed asking prices are likely to increase by over $100,000 once the physical construction of the floors commence,” Gemmell says.
Apartments start at $1.25 million and buyers can purchase basement car parks for $60,000, to be accessed off quieter Glenwood Avenue.
All levels of the building will be securely accessed by a lift.
The two 101sqm two-bedroom ground floor apartments’ spacious open-plan living will flow out to their own fenced, landscaped courtyards.
The eight, three-bedroom apartments (including two penthouse suites) will be 112sqm with sliding joinery and glass balustrading rather than weather-dependent decking. Their third bedroom can alternately be a second lounge or media-utility room behind sliding doors.
Stellar Project Delivery specialists and MSC Consulting Engineers are also working on Jewel.
Lochore’s expects Jewel’s proximity to the city and Highbury’s attractions to interest professionals and downsizers. The anticipated construction period is around 18 months, with a planned completion at the end of 2022.
