Amaia Stage 3 Ext Aerial Takapuna Final01

Amaia - Plan Change

Seeking additional height on an underutilised site to maximise the development potential

A landmark vertical village

Amaia is a landmark vertical village surrounded by an estuarine nature reserve, overlooking the Waitematā Harbour. Located 800m from the coastal suburb of Takapuna and minutes from the northern motorway and public transport connections, it provides an ideal setting for urban living. Jasmax was engaged to maximise the two-hectare site’s development potential, enabling a high-quality, high-density urban environment close to Auckland’s CBD and key employment hubs. The resulting development blends density with nature, offering a compelling lifestyle opportunity for residents and providing the developer with a significantly enhanced investment opportunity.

Jasmax supported the client to prepare, negotiate and obtain a private plan change doubling the development potential of the site, while protecting its ecological significance and value to the surrounding community. Following extensive negotiations with Auckland Council, the site’s zoning was amended from Terraced House and Apartment Buildings (THAB) to allow a significant increase in the height limit, from 16m to 48m. This change provides the client the opportunity to deliver up to 500 apartments in a vertical village suited to the site’s prominence and strategic location.

The key drivers included maximising visual and physical connectivity with the surrounding estuary, harbour and neighbouring commercial centres; drawing the public into the site to enjoy commercial offerings and access to the water’s edge; and ensuring the development is a high-quality addition to the cityscape, as it will be visible from all directions.

High-density development that enhances neighbourhood connectivity

Surrounded on three sides by tidal mangroves, the elliptical site rises to a height of 10m above sea level from the water’s edge. A 20m coastal reserve has been set aside to become an esplanade, providing public access to the water’s edge via a boardwalk. Along with new public open spaces, a walking and cycling connection across the mangroves to Hauraki peninsula has also been proposed, in line with Auckland Transport and the local board’s proposal to improve connectivity to Esmonde Road, Barry’s Point Road and nearby Akoranga Bus Station.

With taller structures occupying the centre of the site, the massing of the new buildings reflects both the volcanic nature of the isthmus and the Indigenous forest that covered the site in pre-European times. Generous spacings between new buildings avoids the development appearing fortress-like and protects views for residents.