Alpine resort sells well

Press, 19 November 1982, Page 16

Alpine resort sells well

PATRICIA HERBERT,

By

property reporter.

An artificially frozen skating rink, floodlit for ice hockey, and a lake-side tavern are among the amenities proposed for the Castle Hill alpine resort. The complex, situated in the Craigieburn Forest Park near the Thomas River on the main West Coast highway, consists of three parts: a central retail area, subdivisions for private sale and development, and condominiums to be bought or rented on a time-share basis.

It is expected that construction will begin early next year. The work of preparing the site and installing the amenities is running to schedule and due for completion in April. Interest in the development is high. The first stage of the subdivision, consisting of 69 sections, was put on the market last year and sold out within two months. The second batch is now available for sale. It contains 59 properties, 13 of which have been sold.

An open day will be held tomorrow to attract further buyers. Most of the sections are small, about 425 square metres, and the prices range from $19,000 to $30,000 averaging out at about $22,500. A deposit of $lOOO is required and the balance on settlement.

To ensure that the village will blend in with the forest environment and reflect a traditional alpine style, the developers, Castle Hill Run, Ltd, reserve the right to approve building plans before construction begins.

As a condition of contract, stringent restrictions are imposed on the design. The roof must be steeply pitched and painted dark brown, dark green or grey, for example, and the walls clad in stained timber.

A spokesman for the developers, Mr John Reid, says that in all cases the provisions have been readily accepted. Most of the buyers have been New Zealanders already familiar with the area and regular visitors to it, but some sections have been sold to people from Australia and the United States, he says. The “log cabin convention” will also be reflected in the

retail area; the focal point of the complex. The buildings, featuring a timber and stone construction with slatted roofs, will face on to a cobbled square. To encourage a sense of enclosure, they will be threestoreyed. The third floors will be leased with the retail area and reserved for rental accommodation either in the form of apartments or dormers for short-stay visitors.

Restaurants, a boutique, a craft outlet, offices, and a fast food diner with an amusement arcade adjoining are among the shops which will feature in the complex. Mr Reid says that retailers have already shown “some interest” in taking up leases in the village although it is still very much at the planning stage. Inquiries have been received from a woodcarver and from a retired butcher wanting to establish a butchery-delicatessen there.

A tavern comprising a restaurant will be built at one corner of the square to overlook a 1.6 hectare lake, yet to be dug. It will feature a turret bar extending over the water.

Construction will begin next year. However, Mr Reid says that the rest of the retail complex will be developed only as people begin moving into the area. Unlike the tavern, the shops cannot expect to attract much passing trade and will need a firm local base.

A clock tower will dominate the centre and will serve as a look-out point with access to the public in the European tradition. Mr Reid says that provision will also be made for a creche, a chapel, a Post Office, a service station and a school.

He had not thought initially that the resort would accommodate a very large permanent population, but says that many of those who have bought sections have expressed interest in living there full-time. The condominium section, comprising about 200 units, will be built on the far side of the lake. They will be serviced and, with the owner’s permission, leased to people for a specified time each year for an as yet undecided period. The time-sharing system is popular overseas. It is hoped to affiliate with international groups to enable lessees to exchange their units with others overseas.

Rental rights for a week until the duration of the contract will cost between $5OOO and $BOOO, Mr Reid estimates.

He is not sure yet what the total cost of the project will be. It will be developed on a piece-meal basis as properties are sold.

Plans are open-ended. Mr Reid says that they are deliberately keeping them flexible to incorporate the ideas of those who buy sections or wish to get involved with the concept.