A substantial landholding nestled in an East Auckland heritage precinct is available for purchase, presenting developers with an opportunity to acquire a site with a point of difference that is seldom available in the city’s urban land market.
The 5,572sq m freehold development site located at 280 Botany Road, Howick, adjoins the Hawthorn Dene estate, a picturesque historical property containing mature specimen trees, the restored Hawthorn Dene cottage, a character cafe, and expansive open grounds.
The property forms part of an approved subdivision, with a new title expected to be issued following completion of the final separation works, providing a clearly defined and development-ready landholding.
Secure vehicle access is provided via the quiet residential environment of Amberwood Drive, while dedicated pedestrian access to Botany Road offers convenient connectivity to public transport, local services, and the nearby Golflands retail precinct.
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The property is zoned Residential – Mixed Housing Urban Zone under the Auckland Unitary Plan. This designation enables a range of residential development typologies and encourages efficient use of land close to existing infrastructure, transport connections, employment nodes, and community amenities.
Colliers Brokers Josh Coburn and Harry Cooper have been exclusively appointed by the Board of The Howick & Districts Historical Society Incorporated to market the property for sale and are taking expressions of interest closing at 4pm on Wednesday 30 September, unless sold prior.
Centred on a historic homestead dating from the mid-1850s, Hawthorn Dene is a recognised East Auckland heritage property.
Originally known as Hawthorn Farm, it remained in the stewardship of four generations of the Hattaway family from 1873 until 1992, preserving much of the character and landscape that define the estate today.
Today, Hawthorn Dene is valued not only for its historic cottage, but also for its tree-lined driveway, open grounds, historic cricket field, heritage outbuildings, and wider landscape setting. These elements are integral components of the property’s significance and long-term protection.
Coburn, Director of Site Sales & Capital Markets at Colliers, says as residential developers become increasingly selective in their acquisition strategies, there is a clear preference for opportunities that combine planning certainty, established neighbourhoods, and strong underlying owner-occupier demand.
“Large-scale residential development opportunities of this nature are becoming scarce, particularly those combining scale, location, zoning, and a genuinely distinctive setting,” Coburn says.
“This flat landholding supports efficient site design and construction while providing flexibility for a broad range of residential development concepts.
“Given the buyer will have the ability to incorporate and respond to the surrounding character features of this historic setting, developers have an opportunity to create a residential community that stands apart from typical suburban development projects.”
A key feature of the approved design is the 6.5m setback adjoining the Hawthorn Dene boundary. Combined with the site’s practical L-shaped configuration and Amberwood Drive vehicle access, future development is likely to be focused along the northern and western portions of the site.
This creates an opportunity to maximise the benefits of the adjacent open space and heritage setting while maintaining practical and efficient development outcomes.
Cooper, Industrial Sales Broker at Colliers, says the site benefits from its location within an established residential catchment.
“Future residents will be able to walk to nearby shopping, schools, cafes, parks, and public transport connections, while the wider Botany, Howick, and Pakuranga precincts are all readily accessible,” Cooper says.
“Botany Town Centre, one of Auckland’s largest shopping centres, with an extensive array of big-name brands and retail offerings, is less than 1km away. Meanwhile, local beaches can be reached in approximately 10 minutes.
“This site offers developers the opportunity to add their own touch to a historic heritage precinct that is filled with character and local history and warrants serious consideration from buyers eyeing their next major project.”
- Supplied by Colliers
