Simon Mclean, Project Lead from Cheshire Architects talks about their involvement and the vision of the developer for this historic and unique part of Auckland. “Cheshire Architects have been involved in envisioning a future for the land here since it was passed from the Defence Force to Hobsonville Land Company, then with Willis Bond as developer and long term owner,” says Simon. “From the outset the plan was to create a vibrant, mixed use heart for the Hobsonville Point community, drawing on our learnings from the refurbishment and development of existing buildings at Britomart and City Works Depot, while adapting this to the more suburban locale of Catalina Bay.”
“This is a particular challenge and not something that can be created overnight,” says Simon. “It requires the combined efforts of developer, designers and tenants to realise and grow a brand new seaside village precinct, in a way that sees the local community embrace it as their own.”
“Of course it helps that Catalina Bay is a spectacular site…it faces north, it’s on the harbours edge looking over water to the bush clad hills of Greenhithe, there is a ferry connection to Auckland CBD and it has fantastic existing character buildings with their own stories. It’s absolutely unique in Auckland and is now beginning to live up to its potential.”
“The project started with the existing buildings by keeping the character of the hangers while adding floor area to create work spaces, food and beverage outlets and housing the farmers market. The large building with the iconic hangar form, at the heart of the precinct, is known as the Sunderland Hangar, after the flying boats that were serviced here for Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL - the forerunner of Air New Zealand). A co-working office space was added on a mezzanine in the upper level of the hangar while Little Creatures operate their New Zealand brewery along with other food and beverage outlets on the ground floor.”