Feature: The McKenzies Project, Takapuna Beach
Introducing The McKenzies Project
The re-establishment of Takapuna as one of Auckland’s leading boutique shopping and lifestyle destinations received a real shot in the arm recently, with the announcement of the exciting McKenzies Project in Hurstmere Road, by the Wiltshire Property Group. Channel Magazine has unashamedly been an advocate for Takapuna, so we are hugely excited about McKenzies.
“There has been a great deal of work put in to turning Takapuna around, and seeing what Alan and Ben Wiltshire are doing has brought a smile to many faces,” says Takapuna Beach Business Association General Manager Peter White. “For me turning Takapuna around has a double meaning. Not only is there a whole lot of people dedicated to fostering quality business in Takapuna, there is also a clear understanding that we need to make the most of having New Zealand’s best beach on our doorstep and turn our town centre around to face it. The Wiltshire Group are leading this with the McKenzies Project.”
A key aspect of the McKenzies Project is a lane that will link between Hurstmere Road and through towards the beach. The McKenzies Project will incorporate high end retail and cafes, bars and restaurants, in a sophisticated indoor-outdoor environment.
Alan Wiltshire, of Wiltshire Property Group, says, “Takapuna Beach has a number of distinguishing characteristics, which give the area the potential to become more desirable than virtually any other city centre in New Zealand.”
Ben Wiltshire, Wiltshire Designs Ltd, has been responsible for leading the design of McKenzies, and shares his father’s passion for the project. “Takapuna has the opportunity to combine the attractions of the CBD, the fashion and lifestyle shopping of Newmarket, the dining and variety of Ponsonby and the seaside ambiance of Mission Bay. I believe that all those benefits, in one amazing and accessible location, set Takapuna Beach apart from any other location in Auckland.”
“As a family, we grew up in and around Takapuna Beach,” adds Ben Wiltshire. “We understand the potential and feel passionate about delivering an exciting project to be enjoyed by family, friends, locals and visitors alike. Once open, we will continue to manage the precinct to ensure its success.”
One of those who is looking forward to realising the potential of McKenzies is Wiltshire Property Groups Asset Manager, Jeremy Sussex. “Unlike Ben and Alan I am not a ‘shore local’, but what I have realised since having the pleasure of coming here for work every day is the fact that Takapuna’s amazing natural surroundings get overlooked and are under-utilised. Working on The McKenzies Project has shown the true potential of what Takapuna can be and has to offer.”
The heart-warming aspect for the writer – as a Takapuna local – is that this property could easily have been purchased by offshore buyers who do not share our passion for Takapuna. It is great that it has been bought by locals who are developing it for locals. The space is not being turned into apartments. The existing character structures are being transformed into a precinct that will lead the redevelopment of Takapuna.
The structural development of the McKenzies Project is due to be completed by late November. Fit-out of the retail stores, cafes, bars and restaurants will take place between December and late February. The McKenzies precinct will open on March 1st.
The Department Store, Takapuna Beach Cafe, McKenzies, The National Ocean Water Sports Centre... aahh, don’t you just love it. Takapuna is coming good!
For more information visit: themckenziesproject.com
THE FACTS
- The McKenzies Project will involve the incorporation of 7adjoining buildings to form 3 separate zones, surrounding a new pedestrian lane and internal courtyard.
- With prominent retail frontages and a gateway from Hurstmere Road, McKenzies extends towards the beach with a 6 metre wide pedestrian lane and an open courtyard at its heart.
- Surrounded by a sophisticated array of dining, fashion and lifestyle retail tenancies, the development will offer the best of modern shopping and entertainment, with character buildings and striking architectural features.
- The historic brick walls, steel portal frames, concrete parapets and rich red tiles of the Hurstmere facade will be combined with new Spanish tiles, shiplap weatherboards, exposed timber rooflines, modern steel and glass shop fronts, and enhanced design elements.
- The open air internal courtyard will be invigorated by dining and entertainment choices, providing a unique outdoor experience, morning through until evening.
- Design features include large retractable Tulip parasols, a living wall, landscaped elements and artwork softening the industrial design – providing a sophisticated outdoor dining experience enhanced by natural, ambient lighting.
- A standalone two-storey restaurant centres the courtyard and can be accessed directly from within the courtyard or the seaward facing promenade to the east.
- Whilst the courtyard’s primary purpose is to support McKenzies food and beverage offerings, its design also allows it to be used for evening events, fashion shows, product launches and industry gatherings – to be controlled by the management company. Character wrought iron bi-folding gates will secure the entrance through McKenzies from Hurstmere Road and The Promenade outside trading hours.
