Housing: ‘burb blurbs

Beachlands South Concept

From Beachlands in the north, to the northern Waikato in the south, housing developments have been popping up at a frenetic during recent years. In addition to major new suburbs – some becoming communities in their own right – smaller subdivisions in and around established towns are helping ensure there are plenty of places to call home here in Franklin.

With our region now a hive of activity with regards to new residential areas, we provide some quick snapshots to capture a little of the buzz behind the business of building.

DRURY SOUTH CROSSING

Located right next to the Southern Motorway, Drury South Crossing is taking shape. An epic development (which has featured in previous editions of Design & Build), this project is intended to be home to large industrial and commercial areas as well as public amenities, parks, reserves and, of course, housing. Located on its southern edge, Hunua Views (in particular) is on course to house new residents.

PAERATA RISE

Years ago, the only locals to ‘Rise ‘n’ Shine’ down the back paddocks of Wesley College were the likes of Jonah Lomu; today, the Rise ‘n’ Shine Cafe (located on Jonah Lomu Drive) has become the centre of a new community. Already a major region for suburban living, there is more to come with development extending to State Highway 22 in the north as well as further additions gathering steam to the east.

POKENO

travelling between Auckland and Hamilton, Pokeno has become a major Franklin community. Now home to almost 6,000 people (as of August 2022) and its own supermarket, the town is liable to expand further. According to the Waikato District Council, new residential areas are expected to be added, to the northwest, southwest and even to the east of State Highway 1. Some new homes will be built in the next few years, others within the next few decades, but in either case Pokeno is definitely on the grow!

Pararekau Island

BREMNER RIDGE

Although it is a little outside our region, this development is (in a way) more in keeping with a style typical of Franklin’s love of lifestyle living. Located east of Flat Bush (alongside the Fairburn subdivision) and west of Brookby, the Bremner Ridge development is set to feature 360 sections including 60 lifestyle lots.

PATUMAHOE

Once a small town (more or less) on the outskirts of Pukekohe, Patumahoe is growing fast! Including Patumahoe Hill – billed as a small community with a large spirit – subdivisions on in area of the region’s rural fringes promise living that’s a little bit country, but still within easy reach of Pukekohe.

CLARKS BEACH

When Joseph Clark became one of the first European farmers to set down roots on the southern shores of the Manukau Harbour, he may well have imagined that, one day, the area would become a popular seaside holiday spot. However, Clarks Beach is set to become so much more thanks to new housing developments. Covering (approximately) 50 hectares, Clarks Beach Waterfront Estate is intended to welcome even more who do, indeed, love to live beside the seaside.

KARAKA

Thanks, in no small way, to New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka Sales Centre, this Franklin community has accelerated at speed. Located close to the Southern Motorway, Karaka Lakes and Karaka Harbourside have become popular spots. Now, the adjacent Pararekau Island is set to deliver an added level of luxury living just a short ride from Karaka.

BEACHLANDS SOUTH

It may seem half a ‘super city’ away, but Beachlands was part of the former Franklin District. Expected to include coastal boardwalks, playgrounds, parks, shops and schools to augment 255 hectares of new housing (approximately 3000 homes in total), Beachlands South could soon become much more than the sleepy seaside town it once was. Although planning is in the (relatively) early stages, this development is set to begin its rise with open days planned for December 2022.