Another Auckland CBD apartment project is underway, with Mainzeal Construction now onsite. It's sure to add further bulk to the eastern half of the skyline. The design of this one is growing on me- it seems to be a perfect design for the site (which is tiny!)

Height: 33 levels (approx 100m)
Developers: Kitchener Developments
Renders:
http://barracuda.elinuxservers.com/~precapp/images/exterior/exterior_image_1.jpg
http://barracuda.elinuxservers.com/~precapp/images/exterior/exterior_image_3.jpg

Location: Lorne Street. Pic showing site location (in red):
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid77/pb1e3435e2e746fa5955296336c54f49c/fb2e8bcf.jpg


Construction site pic from Lorne St, looking east:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid134/pbaee1c4f43dc00d8c955862ce67f043e/f777c5ea.jpg

Looks flash. Alot nicer than all the other bland apartments going up all over the show.
A unit looking right over albert park would be sweet :D

Ahh, I was wondering what that place was - thought the site looked too small to be anything too tall though. Glad to see I was wrong - looks great :)

Triple the height and I might give it some consideration .. .

no but seriously, good pics and it should be great.

Triple the height and I might give it some consideration .. .
lol, I wish I could...

But I doubt the council would let something 300m high right next to Albert Park- the overshadowing would be horrendous, it would become 'Darkbert park', hehe.

August the 13th was the last comment on this interesting tower! Well I believe it's interesting anyway. Does anyone have any more info on it?

I walked past there a couple of weeks ago and they were up to level 2 core- so should see some good progress during the year! Good pic opportunities anyway.

cheers big ears

Yeah actually now you mention it, I went on the roof of that carpark next to the site about 2 weeks ago when I was in town. And I looked down and saw the site there with all the foundations done, ready for the tower to rise.

I remember that NZI had planned in the mid 1980s a triple tower block that was going to be built in the Chancery St. / Kitchener St. area , but this got canned due to shadowing over Albert Park. The higest tower was 150 mtrs.The original drawings looked impressive. The current car park got built only.

http://www.themovechannel.com/property/38/investments/new-zealand/the-precinct/images/main.jpg :)

http://barracuda.elinuxservers.com/~precapp/images/exterior/exterior_image_2.jpg :)

Neato. I like this project! When does construction commence, and when does it end?

The Precinct Apartments Have been under construction for a few Months now , Last site Report by Tom concluded Foundations were complete ready for the Corebox to start Rising ! Completion date would be at least early 2006 :)

I'll have another look next time I'm in town and see where it's at.

I scooter past it daily. I feel sorry for the developer, incredibly difficult site access.

Yeah it is rather narrow, but it will look terrific when finished, on that site.

Still nothing above the ground:

http://img27.echo.cx/img27/7546/precinct16052yd.jpg

They must be putting alot of work into the foundations or something because there's always workers there so it's not like construction has been delayed or anything.

The crane is a new addition to the site, but yes, probably because its a difficult site it has taken a little longer in the pre-construction phase.

Liftoff:

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/7676/precinct279059ut.jpg
Taken yesterday.

Awesome stuff, thanks for the update Sam.

damn that is one thin building

AHHHHHHHH enough with these "showbox" appartments !!! even the foregin students arnt buyin them anymore !!! for the love of god build some decent appartments

This isn't a shoebox apartment building, its got a bigger mix of small-large apartments than most in Auckland.

But, I expect that when 'those' kind of apartment complexes open, the apartments will be going for like $2 a week, lol

But, I expect that when 'those' kind of apartment complexes open, the apartments will be going for like $2 a week, lol

Can't wait until it goes down to $1... then i might purchase a few :)

Nah im hedging my bets on it hitting 50 cents;)

The problem with the foundation work was that on one side they only need 10m before hitting bedrock, but the other side proved more difficult. So much so that specialist equipment was brought over from Oz to drill deep enough. I think they finally hit something solid about 70+ meters down. The planned height is 115M, but the top has been redesigned to ensure light to Albert park.

^^
how has the top been redesigned?? any renders??

Yea how does it differ from what is shown in the original renders? Because those renders showed that the building had a step-down toward the Albert park side already

Thanks for the info, Neitszche. And welcome to the forums! I'm pretty sure the posters out the front of the site still show the same design as the renders we already have, but i'll keep an eye out next time i'm in town.

Cheers dude. I was told by my lovely Aunty who works for Kitchener group. I think the redesign only affected the penthouse. I'll have a chat to her and see if she can email me an updated render, and of their other projects, such as their 30 odd story tower on Albert st which is the first building to get consent under the new Edinburgh model.

So is that 30 story one on Albert approved then? Whats this Edinburgh model?

The Edinburgh model is, as the name suggests, how the council in Edinburgh decides on the approval process for granting new building consents. It takes into account factors such as asthetics - regarding the building on its own design merit, and if it fits comfortably with the surrounds. Also looks at environmental factors, sociological issues such as public space and crime (lighting and such). Basically if you come up with a design that fits the model, thne your approval will be fast tracked. Otherwise you face the repeated process of redesigning the plans untill the council is happy. Therefore there is a finnancial incentive (is there any other that developers listen to?) to come up with a quality project. Personally I couldn't be happier about the situation as we have had a right wing council in AK for over 70 years with little to no regard to urban design - hence some of the absolute shockers in downtown AK. World class cities have guidelines and will tell developers to piss off if they present crap.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=139&objectid=10115500

have a read....

Oh and the 30 story albert st job is approved. Been redesigned from the original (which had the two open floors for windflow) and has a huge (maybe 10 storys? don't quote me) indoor atrium. A glorious waste of space as it was described to me. Seems developers are getting excited that the Viaduct and the subsequent developments are finally creating a heart in AK city. Hence the other 40 story bitch as well. There is hope for downtown AK after all.

awesome thanks for the update. Cant wait to see the renders.

Yea thanks for that N. As a planner (well, planning student for now), the Edinburgh model sounds alot better than what we have previously had going on. Good to hear about that 30 story tower too.

anyone been out there lately? im just updating Dec1 diagrams.
cheers

I walked past this when i was in Auckland, didn't take any pics (was at night), but saw that it was up to level 7 floor, but couldn't see where the core was, i'd presume its a couple of levels above that.

^^

damn thats a shame... would be nice to have another update pic of this building... come on you aucklanders and get the cameras going :)

im back.lol
any updates for xmas shutdwon diagrams?
i reckon maybe lev10 floors with 12 in core?

im back.lol
any updates for xmas shutdwon diagrams?
i reckon maybe lev10 floors with 12 in core?

Hope it helps ! :)
http://www.kitchenergroup.co.nz/KITCHENER_HOME.html

thanks marky! perfect. why cant all slyscrapers have these updates.

i was close. lev12 in core/8 in floors

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/5774/precinct3kh.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/atkinson1/Yo.jpg

It's gettin there, lol. What level is XII?

12

That pic is a bit old there. I took it that day I sent you the pxt flyin. I don't know if it would be any higher though.

Yea I thought it was 12, but then I looked at the post by Cul at the top there and it says up to level 13, so that was weird. it's probably at about level 15 or so now.

Auckland is a cool city.

Been there a few times.

Auckland is a cool city.

Been there a few times.

yeah but not as good as wellington :runaway:

I read a few pages back that people were complaining about the Auckland apartment towers being so narrow.

I personally think that 7/8ths scale buildings in Auckland's CBD characterize the city and make it cute :) Your buildings also look taller because they are slender.

Don't give into the "world-city bug" where they start building large monstrosities.

Stay cute, Auckland. We like you that way :)

I read a few pages back that people were complaining about the Auckland apartment towers being so narrow.

I personally think that 7/8ths scale buildings in Auckland's CBD characterize the city and make it cute :) Your buildings also look taller because they are slender.

Don't give into the "world-city bug" where they start building large monstrosities.

Stay cute, Auckland. We like you that way :)

HE HE ..... Ditto ! :)

Just a quick update. Level 15 core is being poured today, and level 12 floor is being poured on friday. The redesign only included the penthouses - two bedrooms on the eastern side were removed. So it's still going to be 33 levels and it looks basically the same.

any photos??

any updates by april 1st? lol
the damn website says theres "monthly" updates. last update was dec.
http://www.kitchenergroup.co.nz/KITCHENER_HOME.html

i suppose its gone up 4 levels again.?

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/atkinson1/2005_0403city0017Large.jpg

Good Shot Tom Boy , can ya see the Tower from the Shore ? :)

This one is lookin good, should make a nice impact in the Lorne St area. Looks about a third the way up.

thanks again atkinson. im just trying to work out how many floors it currently is?
that white slanted bldg next door is 9 levels?
it has number on core but cant make it out.
15 floor plates +3 in core=18?

thanks again atkinson. im just trying to work out how many floors it currently is?
that white slanted bldg next door is 9 levels?
it has number on core but cant make it out.
15 floor plates +3 in core=18?

This might help:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/atkinson1/prec.jpg

10 APR 2006

http://i.pbase.com/o4/37/50837/1/58445697.akl14.jpg

Top pic enigma! :cheers: It's a growin and growin..

any pic for may 1 update? ;-)

27 APR 06 - Precinct as seen from High Street - it is starting to make an impact on the skyline (I couldn't get any closer, the legs didn't feel like walking anymore ;) )

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/59273889.18.jpg

I reckon this one is ganna have a very Surprising impact from many Directions ! :cheers:

Yes, very nice shot, and very promising impact on the skyline

FLOORS-19? CORE-23?

http://www.aucklandmotorways.co.nz/arc%20img%2018.JPG

bad light i know

I really like how this one is turning out, and its still got a bit of height to come :cheers:

It's good that they're doing the exterior detailing as they go. I think this might turn out better than i was expecting (which wasn't that much to be honest).

I walked past it yesterday and it is looking great. It is going to be a beautiful tower and Lorne Street is going to become one of the city's most sought after addresses. Plans for Khartoum Place have also been launched which will make Lorne Street even better. I wish that I had invested in The Precinct.

http://www.bdcentral.co.nz/webfiles/BobDeyProperty/webpages/images/8645/16/khartoum_design1_lge.JPG

Got to wander about Precinct today and see how its all going.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/DSC02398.jpg

View from the 22nd floor

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/Precinctview.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/precincttop.jpg

View from my apartment on the 13th

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/MyView.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/DSC02414.jpg

They're going at a cracking pace - I'll be good to go by Nov - Dec. Bloody lovely.

Very nice. You have a great view.

Cheers man. Obviously would be alot happier higher up. The view from the 22nd is mint, out the the harbour and over Albert park. I mean shit if your gonna live in an apartment you need a decent view.

Great pics, its looking a very nice building! :cheers:

and in such a good Location ! Yes can't ask for better views in the Middle of a City :cheers:

great photos, what floor is core at?

Core 26 floor is 22

Tres Bon.

thanks.

Took this on my phone today. Sorry about the quality. Precinct is looking great.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/atkinson1/Precinct.jpg

Shes looking nice and Tall :cheers:

Thats not bad quality for a camera phone mate! :cheers:
And yes, looking very tall and very cool.

So this one will be 100m+ right? not bad. :)
I hope Auckland have some more 150m+ in the near future :cheers:

I never got the exact specs from the developer on final high but I believe its approx 115 meters - about the same as the ASB tower. Enought to make an impact on the skyline.

And it is definitely starting to have an impact on the skyline - pic taken today .... (building under construction to the right of skytower)


http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/61895957.9DzlyPov.jpg

Nice pic!
I was walking up Queen Street today and the higher floors of precinct can now be seen. i thought this was cool cos only metropolis sticks out high enough normally.

hi guys, a month ago Precinct was Core-26/ floor-22, any updates by july1?
cheers

I think that Precinct has topped out ??

15 JULY 2006:

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/63510068.Dsk55LFh.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/63510069.YGHxvyrw.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/63510070.NBBJslHj.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/63510072.xZZjQewF.jpg

I hope it isn't topped out........
Doesn't seem as tall as I thought it would be :(
When uni starts again on monday I'll check it out.

I counted about 22 fl - and as I understand it should be 33 fl. So add another 1/3 to height.

We counted 29 floors - excluding the core - I was just as dissappointed, I thought that it would be alot taller. I am hoping that I am wrong but my bf also counted 29 floors :( The core must be at level 32/33)

Probably I missed several at the base. But, yeah - 115m Precinct compare to LUMLEY 125m from your photo http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=291577&page=24&pp=20 gives that it will not looks as tall as we hoped :-(
Just for comparison to get an idea how it looks like.
I just wondering - I am not very good at Auckland geography, but I think it might be a good idea to put at the "Auckland high level photo" a red marks to show the height of the new and coming projects. We know height of existing buildings and if we know where new buildings will be we can mark the height of the new projects this will give an idea of how big impact on skyline will be.

Probably I missed several at the base. But, yeah - 115m Precinct compare to LUMLEY 125m from your photo http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=291577&page=24&pp=20 gives that it will not looks as tall as we hoped :-(
Just for comparison to get an idea how it looks like.
I just wondering - I am not very good at Auckland geography, but I think it might be a good idea to put at the "Auckland high level photo" a red marks to show the height of the new and coming projects. We know height of existing buildings and if we know where new buildings will be we can mark the height of the new projects this will give an idea of how big impact on skyline will be.

This is a job for KiwiKaas - he is a photoshop pro, I am useless. How about a challenge KiwiK ? pretty please with a cherry on top.

I would have done this myself from existing photos - but I am pretty bad in "horisontal orientation". (I never been in Auckland) Sorry, that I am so useless.

I would have done this myself from existing photos - but I am pretty bad in "horisontal orientation". (I never been in Auckland) Sorry, that I am so useless.

LOL - that leaves Kiwi Cheese ;) I would love to see a rendering of the skyline in the year 2008. I think that all of us will be very surprised.

^^ concrete jungle for sure. :drool:

Hey cool update pics Enigma :cheers: I'm pretty sure that the final height, with the little step-up piece at the top will be around where the current crane driver box is.

LOL - that leaves Kiwi Cheese ;) I would love to see a rendering of the skyline in the year 2008. I think that all of us will be very surprised.

I could attempt a render of the future skyline on 3DSMAX if I had all the information. Would take a while with the load on at school but would also be quite a cool project. I'll see what I can do. I think I might download all the renders etc onto my computer.

That'd be cool to see rusta :cheers:

Hey cool update pics Enigma :cheers: I'm pretty sure that the final height, with the little step-up piece at the top will be around where the current crane driver box is.

Thx - I have also come to that conclusion - that's all folks :(

I could attempt a render of the future skyline on 3DSMAX if I had all the information. Would take a while with the load on at school but would also be quite a cool project. I'll see what I can do. I think I might download all the renders etc onto my computer.

Bril - just let us know how we can help you :) Thx

That would be great rusta! If we can be in help somehow let us know. Thanks a lot!

I'm pretty sure the penthouse section is two stories - so one more to go. Another 20 odd meters would have really added to its impact on the skyline, but alas shade issues for Albert park but paid to such thoughts. Regardless anything that cracks 100 is welcome.

Was floating about town today and took some snaps with the phone. Looking forward to the green crap coming off.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/DSC08342.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/DSC08341.jpg

Na, I think the "green crap" may be retained for its aesthetics. :runaway:

Well its certainly having impact from High/Lorne St's

looks good, how many floors to go now?

Only about 2 or 3 now i think. Basically just the penthouse setback.

I was having a debate with my friend about two weeks ago as we were passing this building. She reckoned it was silly having a building of that size on that side of Lorne Street lol. I eventually gave up trying to persuade her otherwise out of sheer frustration. Anyways last laugh is on her because its nearly complete haha!

I was having a debate with my friend about two weeks ago as we were passing this building. She reckoned it was silly having a building of that size on that side of Lorne Street lol. I eventually gave up trying to persuade her otherwise out of sheer frustration. Anyways last laugh is on her because its nearly complete haha!

well it should have been higher anyway :)

yeah that is true lol.

I don't know why but it is one of my favourite buildings in AKL - it is so simple and yet it does have an impact - very, very strange.

Well it's just such an improvement on the other apartment crap that we've been gettin over the last few years that we do appreciate it more. I think the height is about right.

All is on track for people to start moving in early december at the latest so not long till she's all done.

^^ Indeed. I visited the showroom onsite last month, and spoke with one of the sales people, who told me the same thing. I also saw the scale model of the building, looked pretty good.

http://www.aucklandmotorways.co.nz/P1000760%20(Large).JPG

making a big impact now :D

Sure is, looks like the core is topped out too. Final height should be near where the crane driver box is.

13 August 2006

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/65131405.Ga2CKAYr.jpg

Very slender from that angle! :cheers:

woooo nice shot there ENIGMA :)

Heres a quick shot of Precinct from Downtown AKL

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/2662/precinctsn3.jpg

Nice... Looks quite tall from that angle

defnitly alot of photos coming in :D keep it up

Yea its cool that people are taking more pics now, and giving updates on projects. Cheers everyone :cheers2:

I am loving this building more and more. I must agree, it is great that we are all starting to contribute and keeping our fingers on the pulse.

Counted 28 floors so 5 floors to go. :)

looking good... better than what the initial renders showed

http://media.apn.co.nz/webcontent/image/jpg/23ThePrecinct.jpg
The Precinct is due to be finished in December. Picture / Dean Purcell

Precinct just right for buyers

NZ Herald
Wednesday August 23, 2006
By Anne Gibson


David Henderson's new 33-level Precinct apartment block on Lorne St is almost finished, with most units sold.

Henderson's Princes Wharf-based Kitchener Group has sold 175 apartments in the 194-unit block for between $148,000 and $800,000. Mainzeal Construction is the main contractor.

It is selling penthouses of 121sq m to 133sq m for $1.6 million to $1.7 million.

Cyndi Nola, of Kitchener, said Precinct's penthouses on level 33 would have spa pools on the decks, gas fireplaces, designer walk-in wardrobes, outdoor entertainer kitchens, wooden floors, state-of-the-art kitchens and luxury bathrooms.

Precinct, overlooking Albert Park, also has studios and one- and two-bedroom units. Work is due to be finished in December.

Two-bedroom units have wrap-around balconies of 47sq m and one-bedroom units have balconies of 11sq m to 24sq m. Some studio units have also been built in the block, which will have a restaurant and cafe on its ground floor.

sounds good.. im glad they've realised the shoebox apartment concept with no balconies doesn't work

Off the phone but looking good.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/DSC08345.jpg

^^

nice pic... how much higher does it have to go?

Gosh I had a dream the other night that the Precinct tower fell down.

^^

nice pic... how much higher does it have to go?

its pretty much done, yes Aucklands weather has been nice today :D and yesterday

its pretty much done, yes Aucklands weather has been nice today :D and yesterday

Could you tell enigma about this weather being so good, coz he doesn't believe me, then again he was out the wild wet west, wereas I was on the sunny , mostly dry shore.

Could you tell enigma about this weather being so good, coz he doesn't believe me, then again he was out the wild wet west, wereas I was on the sunny , mostly dry shore.

LOL - I need to get to the shore more often I guess ;)

Walking up Queen St. the other day and Precinct looked impressive esp. from the 'vallley' of Queen St. and Precint being on the Lorne St ridge. Yet on the Skyline - say from the bridge it is not nearly as imposing.

The best view is when you are walking up High Street from Shortland Street - the street has turned into a canyon with Metropolis towering over the lower part and Precinct towering over the upper part of the street.

Precinct had its topping out ceremony today. Jenny Shipley (?!) had the honours. Not quite as tall as I expected in the end (thay ain't never as tall as I hope). Oh well, just the minor details of making it livable now.

:cheers:

Good news, looking forward to see this piece of fine inner city living brought into full use. :cheers:

And Jenny Shipley? that is odd lol.

Haha talk about last resort.

Yea I would have thought ole Mayor Hubbard would go, the Mayor's usually do the topping out, well they Banks did with Lumley/NRM.

Precinct is gonna be great! I've reserved a unit in the building, but I'm not sure if I can afford the mortgage. Hope so.

(Btw, the reason Jenny Shipley did the Topping Off ceremony is because she's the Board Chair for Mainzeal.)

ah that makes sense.

Yes, that does make sense, thanks for that rob511.

I am still unsure of height above ground - it cannot be 115mtrs - that must be above sea level which makes it ? 100 mtrs. above Lorne St. On the 'OZ Skyscraper diagram' update [1st Sep] it has it at 115 above ground but on the 'Skyscraper Page' diagram itself it has it at 100 above ground but then lists it at 115 mtrs.
Also [as a side issue !] 'Crowne Plaza' at 110mtrs above ground ? - I don't think so ! The 'Skysraper Page' diagram has it at almost the same height as the 116 mtr ASB - the ASB is at least 25-30 mtrs taller on the skyline and they are on the same street level - unless ? again this height is above sea level or its measured from Durham St. Sorry just being pedantic.

What is the price for say a 2 bedroom unit in precinct? Anyone know?

What is the price for say a 2 bedroom unit in precinct? Anyone know?

. . .On the top floor? lol

At the time of the release to the public prices for a 2 bedroom ranged from about 550k - around 680k. While all of the prime 2 bedrooms were sold pretty smartly I know that the prices for the remaining apartments have risen considerably due to the rising construction costs. Add on top of that the balls up with the foundation work, a specialist machine was brought in from OZ to get down to the 60 odd meters needed to hit bedrock on the harbourside. I was just sent an advert for a one bedroom up for sale on the 29th floor. 56 sm and asking for 400k. Not cheap.

Shiiiiiiiiit.

http://www.aucklandmotorways.co.nz/P1000816%20(Large).JPG
http://www.aucklandmotorways.co.nz/P1000819%20(Large).JPG
http://www.aucklandmotorways.co.nz/P1000821%20(Large).JPG

The older building in the top 2 images is amazing.

beautiful pix there mate!

Yea very top shots!!

I love that building too, its called the Vulcan Building, built in 1928, architect was Holman Moses & Watkins.

@ Aucklandman - U R THE MAN !! gr8 shots mate ;)

cheers guys

Hey,
We are selling a 1 bedroom apartment in Precinct on the 9th floor if anyone is interested. It also has a storage unit available. :)

^^^ I can just imagine the price tag - no thanks ;)

Our price tag is not that bad, we really need to sell as I need a back operation.
If someone is serious please enquire, but don't make comments on assumption... Thanks

Our price tag is not that bad, we really need to sell as I need a back operation.
If someone is serious please enquire, but don't make comments on assumption... Thanks

Take a chill pill .. even better, get a sense of humour, it is free. I will chat to my bf tonight and then we will let you know via pm .. stay tuned.

Take a chill pill .. even better, get a sense of humour, it is free. I will chat to my bf tonight and then we will let you know via pm .. stay tuned.Thanks for your post, I do have a sense of humour, it's just that i'm really trying to sell this, and responses like yours will give people the impression that there all mega bucks.. The lower level ones arn't that bad in price, I wish we could keep it, but my back is more important... Anyway thanks for the humour advice I will try my best to be funny :bash: :)

Good luck on sorting your operation. :)

Good luck on sorting your operation. :)Thanks man, I'm supposed to have it in January, i've already said no twice coz no dollars to do it.. Have a good day :)

looking good hey, nearly finished, when is something gonna rival skytower

Here's a panoramic shot taken from the 25th floor of the building (looking east, obviously). I stitched it from three images:
http://static.flickr.com/59/229059828_a2b5a1a3b9_o.jpg

Great view. :cheers2:

yea thats really cool

awesome shot Rob!

A great view!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/Flyin_higher/DSC00100.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/Flyin_higher/DSC00123.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/Flyin_higher/DSC00084.jpg

A great view!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/Flyin_higher/DSC00100.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/Flyin_higher/DSC00123.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/Flyin_higher/DSC00084.jpgFantastic pictures mate.. It's really starting to look amazing, i'm sad i have to sell my one.... Thanks craig :cheers:

Two more shots of the building from Albert Park (left, from Princes St; right, from Bowen St):

http://static.flickr.com/83/242243121_59aa31cfa0_o.jpg

fantastic Photo's and Threads ............ :cheers: Guys

Yea its rocking alright! Great pics everywhere :banana:

Article last night on 'TV1' and on 'Newstalk ZB' this AM about how this development has had a major detrimental effect on the local buisines's in Lorne St. Half the street was blocked for 2+ years with trucks / dust / noise etc. Pedestrian count has been well down as a result.
Apparently the monetary losses have been in excess on 2 million $s and one wine bar had to close. The council [Councillor Rainbow] says curtly 'it is between the developer and the local businses's'.
The building was 'not notified' in 2003 when it started and the locals say this was unfair / undemocratic and are seeking reparation of some form.
I do feel sorry for them as it is a struggle to run a small buisiness at the best of times. I do think the council does have a greater responsiblity to protect local buisines's instead of wiping their hands.

Yes I heard about that too, sounds like an unfortunate situation. I don't think the resource consent needed to be notified though.
Once the apartment opens there will be all these new residents who will provide custom for existing/new buisiness on the street. Again, short term pain for long term gain. Council should still probably help the businesses out, in conjunction with the developer, seeing as this was a particularly bad case of effects from construction.

There was also a story in the Herald..

Council cost us $2m, say retailers
NZ Herald
Thursday October 12, 2006
By Wayne Thompson
http://media.apn.co.nz/webcontent/image/jpg/12LorneSt.jpg

A group of Auckland City retailers say bungling by the city council turned their prime shopping street into a nightmare of fumes, noise and traffic jams which drove customers away.

More than $2 million in losses is claimed by the group, who say their once-healthy businesses dried up when building work began on the neighbouring 33-level Precinct apartment tower in Lorne St.

Jason Black, from Winos wine and tapas bar, said turnover dropped almost overnight from June 2004, and he counted the cost at $250,000.

"Lunch diners would leave due to the noise of concrete trucks ... black smoke pouring inside."

Mr Black said the business was forced to close and he had to sell his family home to repay business debts.

Others to close were outlets of Artigiano gallery, Gamma Print and Anzac Framing.

Complaints of lost business are also being made by Dymocks Booksellers, which has access from Lorne St, Compendium Gallery, Ferner Galleries and Jason Books.

Retailers say the council made $250,000 from renting out public road space to the site.

They want the council to compensate it for their financial hardship in the two years when carparks and a footpath were taken over for the site and the narrow street reduced to one-lane traffic or closed.

But the council said yesterday that it could not be held responsible for inconvenience from construction.

The frustrated retailers held a media conference to outline their complaint in a bid to embarrass the council into acknowledging their claim.

Richard Jarvis, of Ferner Galleries, said the council was grossly remiss in granting a consent to build such a massive project on a non-notified basis.

Mr Jarvis said this meant the neighbours were denied the opportunity to look at ways to minimise the impact of construction on their businesses.

The gallery had been in Lorne St for 15 years and since work on the apartments began in June 2004 the gallery had lost $1.5 million in sales and more than $720,000 gross profit.

The company had to put off two staff at Lorne St and close its Wellington gallery.

An attempt to reduce expenses by sub-letting some of the gallery space to Anzac Framing ended after two months. Some days, only one customer came in.

Gallery exhibiting artist Dave Goodwin said lack of exposure to passersby caused sales of his paintings to fall from 35 a year to eight.

Across the road at Compendium, Pamela Elliott judged the gallery had lost $80,000-worth of business, especially from tourists.

She said noise, dust and dirt from the building site made people keep walking past the gallery, or walk out again.

The retailers also complained about the "designated cultural precinct" being marred by the site's tall cordon of hoardings topped with razor wire.

Developer Kitchener Group applied for consent in 2001 but in June 2004 sought to vary the plans and build slightly fewer units.

But because the tower could loom over Albert Park, council senior planner V. J. Lala recommended independent commissioners be appointed to consider the proposal.

In July 2004, the commissioners decided that a public hearing of the resource consent application was unnecessary because the applicant accepted the recommended conditions and adverse effects would be minor.

A traffic plan approved by the council said all loading and unloading of vehicles and gear was to take place within site boundaries and there would be no on-street queueing or waiting by trucks.

Council general manager transport Stephen Rainbow said the consent conditions helped to minimise disruption and retailers should direct their concerns to the developer.

But Dr Rainbow said that the council had twice issued infringement notices on the site for breach of working hours and in both cases a fine of $300 was issued.

Three further infringement notices were issued for breach of compliance with the traffic management plan.

Building contractors Mainzeal Construction were aware that further breaches would bring an abatement notice.

Mainzeal area manager Roger Feast said: "A construction site in the middle of the city is not easy ... it doesn't help business of those places, we understand.

"But we've tried to work with them and have good relations."

Mr Feast said the tower crane would be removed at Labour Weekend and hoardings taken down, but the interior fit-out would continue until the end of the year.

Nearly all of the 194 units have been sold, for between $148,000 and more than $1 million for luxury penthouses overlooking Albert Park.

great pics rob511

http://www.aucklandmotorways.co.nz/images/P1010324.JPG
http://www.aucklandmotorways.co.nz/images/P1010327.JPG

^^ Nice! she's nearly finish. :happy:

Yea its looking very nice and finished pretty much. Top camera work:cheers:

The crane has started to come down, and this week, owners have begun pre-settlement inspections of their units. It's in the home stretch now. Can't wait to see what the street facade looks like!

Does anyone know when will Precinct be completed?

Does anyone know when will Precinct be completed?

Mid - December 2006.

I went into town for the first time in a while, to photograph something and also saw this

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/atkinson1/DSCF3654Medium.jpg

^^^ It is a beauty ;)

Yea nice shot Tom. Its looking great now that most of the construction stuff has come off.

Will the top of the building feature any sort of design, or is this it?

The only render i've seen is from a low angle looking up but it looks like a small penthouse apartment at the very top - in line with the highest point of the building. I think its quite thin leaving a large deck.

Here's a recent Bowen St shot showing the (almost) completed building, which gives a good view of the top floors. The original design had a two-story penthouse mass atop the western side of the building with large decks. The Council asked Kitchener and architects Clark Brown to redesign the top to reduce the overall bulk of the building and lessen the shadow it casts over Albert Park. The result is increasing setbacks on the top five stories.

http://static.flickr.com/113/300289385_4552fa5995.jpg

I really like the geometric interplay at the top. My only criticism would be that the slabs are heavier than on the lower floors (perhaps to support spas and gardens), so that the overall effect is a bit top-heavy.

Because of its site, Precinct is hardly visible from the waterfront, harbour, or Queen St. It's a shame, because it's such a refined, elegant structure!

It's a shame, because it's such a refined, elegant structure!

Hmmm, I'm not sure about this building. All those balconies make it look like the incomplete Death Star in Return of the Jedi.

However, I will reserve my final judgement until I see it for myself.

Hmmm, I'm not sure about this building. All those balconies make it look like the incomplete Death Star in Return of the Jedi.

However, I will reserve my final judgement until I see it for myself.

I do wish it was sleeker, but its grown on me like harbour city :)

Harbour city is pretty cool so is this :banana:

I do wish it was sleeker, but its grown on me like harbour city :)

Harbour city is pretty cool so is this :banana:

Harbour city cool?? lol very optimistic attitude man. I must say it has turned out better than i thought it would but it is still an eyesore. They need to build i nice big tall office tower around 80- 100m on the site where the proposed 'Diamond is going to be just to take the limelight off habour city. :)

lol, its not the best but its grown :)

Taken Jan 3rd:cheers:
http://lightsurf.xtra.co.nz/mmps/RECIPIENT/001_022ba034b83d146c_1/2.jpg?partExt=.jpg&outquality=56&rand=-7033319051504886999&ext=.jpg&limitsize=600,800&inviteToken=AE8r4gJrPhPymLO7L8lh&introtate=90&random=28171094

http://lightsurf.xtra.co.nz/mmps/RECIPIENT/001_027e0007b83d1337_1/2.jpg?partExt=.jpg&outquality=56&rand=-3424454748168181042&ext=.jpg&limitsize=600,800&inviteToken=gEXr48JoPhPewL670agQ&introtate=90&random=4993803
A camera phone really does come in handy;)

Very very nice Flyin. May I say what a great AUCKLAND day and nice building the Precinct is :)

Indeed, Precinct has turned out very well, although the top isn't as good as I'd hoped, its not too bad overall.

Just someting to add:

If you look at the pics that people post, please reply commenting whatever you want on them, because its an effort to post images, so please make it feel worthwhile.

Indeed, Precinct has turned out very well, although the top isn't as good as I'd hoped, its not too bad overall.

I fear that the top has suffered because the developer is trying to minimize his loss on the building. Last I heard it was actually going to cost Kitcheners 1 mill to build the tower. i.e. no profit. The top was meant to have black textured concrete over the thicker white levels on the top. There was also supposed to be another floor level with the current highest point. This may still eventuate - as well the concrete as they are still trying to get the lower levels ready for tennents like myself.

thanks for those flyin!

i went right up close to precinct today and i was great. i wish i had more money cos the retail space would be perfect for my sneaker shop. (in my dreams)

lorne street is now a nicer extension of high street

Harbour city cool?? lol very optimistic attitude man. I must say it has turned out better than i thought it would but it is still an eyesore. They need to build i nice big tall office tower around 80- 100m on the site where the proposed 'Diamond is going to be just to take the limelight off habour city. :)

What is proposed for this "diamond" site?

http://www.aucklandmotorways.co.nz/images/sscimages/P1010955.JPG

^^It still looks decent even from the rear lol.

What is proposed for this "diamond" site?

The Original Design was knocked back due to it being extremely Ugly LOL the new design is awaiting Resorce Consent , word is , that the new is a huge improvement :banana:

The Original Design was knocked back due to it being extremely Ugly LOL the new design is awaiting Resorce Consent , word is , that the new is a huge improvement :banana:

How big is the planned project? I'm hoping it will be a nice size to balance out the REsidences but not block out the Vero Centre too much. Will likely block out the Chancery Development, in any case.

And will it include the demolition of the burnt out ruin of a building by that site? Surely it must (unless I've got my sites mixed up :runaway: )

How big is the planned project? I'm hoping it will be a nice size to balance out the REsidences but not block out the Vero Centre too much. Will likely block out the Chancery Development, in any case.

And will it include the demolition of the burnt out ruin of a building by that site? Surely it must (unless I've got my sites mixed up :runaway: )
Its only about 12-15 floors, last we saw of it.

How big is the planned project? I'm hoping it will be a nice size to balance out the REsidences but not block out the Vero Centre too much. Will likely block out the Chancery Development, in any case.

And will it include the demolition of the burnt out ruin of a building by that site? Surely it must (unless I've got my sites mixed up :runaway: )

Im pretty sure Its being built on a carpark.

Im pretty sure Its being built on a carpark.

I certainly hope not. This "build-em-on-podiums" idea for buildings in Auckland is terrible, especially when the podiums are filled with craparks.

The Lumley Centre and the Scene Buildings are the best examples of how NOT to do it. Metallic gratings confront anyone at street level who are then surrounded by cars beside and above them.

Why there hasn't been a regulation introduced to force developments to build carparks underground is beyond me. More expensive for the developers - yes. But the developers' financial position is of little concern to the authorities. Instead, the aesthetics and appeal of the city for residents is.

^^Yes, agree very much with you there. But I think in this case, tony means they are building on a vacant site which is currently used for a carpark, rather than a carpark podium per se. The design may be different this time around however.

^^Yes, agree very much with you there. But I think in this case, tony means they are building on a vacant site which is currently used for a carpark, rather than a carpark podium per se. The design may be different this time around however.

Ahhhh, good. I hope that is the case. Thanks for that.

^^ yes its just a vacant carpark.

http://www.aucklandmotorways.co.nz/images/sscimages/P1020605.jpg

Gorgeous - I just love this buildings simplicity (simplicity is the art of beauty) ... a pity that they are so tiny (for us anyways) - I would have loved to live there :(

^^ You should move into Harbour City, (poorly) judging by the Hallways its bloody nice!

^^ You should move into Harbour City, (poorly) judging by the Hallways its bloody nice!

Also very small apartments - we need 3 bedrooms + and we want to be in the heart of the city ... we have decided to wait for Elliott Tower and then we will buy there (floor 60 will be great - probably out of our price bracket :( )

Here's a couple more from the weekend..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/Flyin_higher/DSC00414.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/Flyin_higher/DSC00413.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/Flyin_higher/DSC00417.jpg

Lorne Street is shaping up to be on par with High Street. I love the new trees that they have planted around the lower end of Lorne Street now they must just finish Khartoum Place - SWEET AS ;)

yer lorne street is excellent. if only they would tidy up the victoria street intersection that seperates the two sides

yer lorne street is excellent. if only they would tidy up the victoria street intersection that seperates the two sides

Amen - I couldn't agree more but good news ... there are plans to do just that (Soon I hope ;)

The best thing they could do to that part of Victoria St is remove some of the traffic! And put a median strip in.

Cul-de-sac. C.U.L.-D.E.-S.A.C.!!!!!!:bash:


Or maybe Tunnel Victoria!

Or maybe one-way, going eastward. Because Wellesley is one way already in one section going westwards.

Good god, Flyin 8 off 3000!

^^lol, i've been there once already!

DeJaVu!

I thought I was higher but somehow some disappeared also.

I searched through all my archives for all images of precinct since we arrived and these are what I found......

before (18 Oct 2005)
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76081762.jpg

Today
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/74362220.jpg

From Sky Tower 18 Sep 05
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76081760.jpg

From Sky Tower 13 Aug 06
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76081756.jpg

closer look
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76081755.jpg


From the ground 13 March 06 - Source Atkinson1
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/atkinson1/IMG_3424Large.jpg

From the ground 10 Apr 06
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76081752.jpg

From the ground 15 Aug 06
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76081757.jpg

From the ground 31 Oct 06
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76081761.jpg

From the ground 9 Feb 07
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/74148804.jpg

Present day
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/75724716.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/75593245.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/74732179.jpg

^^
Thanks KiwiFruit
I left Auckland in Oct. 2005 so your set of Precinct photos is a real time-line bonus.
I wish more buildings went up this fast!

Yea thats a great overview, nice post!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/434799821_8b4be9f90c_o.jpg

Looks like a pretty good view! Do u have an apartment there?

Before and after shots

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76269099.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76269100.jpg

^^ Good work mate. Shes a beauty!

More before and after shots

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76375710.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76375716.jpg

Been trawling the old archived Auckland photos thread and found this before shot of Precinct: source Aucklandman

http://img234.echo.cx/img234/8700/dscn25435jo.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/75975959.jpg.jpg

:lol: great!

More correct vantage point: Before source - Aucklandman

http://img234.echo.cx/img234/8700/dscn25435jo.jpg http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76719219.jpg

^^ Looks like a bit of street work happening there, what exactly are they doing with it?

^^ Looks like a bit of street work happening there, what exactly are they doing with it?

They are in the process of redoing the sidewalks/pavements on both sides of the road, putting in new seats as well as re-furbishing the lower half of Khartoum place. Today the whole road was closed off - not sure why.

New pavement inscription
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76720624.jpg

Work in progress (Like the rest of Auckland)
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76720625.jpg

Great pictures Mr kiwifruit!, Auckland must be a mess at the moment, its a good thing though lol. Are they putting new trees in Khartoum place as well as the new pavements and seating?

^^ Yea it is abit hotch potch at the moment, but at least its a sign of growth!

Great pictures Mr kiwifruit!, Auckland must be a mess at the moment, its a good thing though lol. Are they putting new trees in Khartoum place as well as the new pavements and seating?

No the trees in Khartoum place are the same ones that were there. Just new paving and seating and ballustrades and lighting and a few other things I'm not sure about.

Auckland looks like a DISASTER ZONE right now. Nearly every block is under construction ..... Not just downtown but Parnell, Ponsonby (we drove through there last night and there are many buildings being refurbished) ... K'Rd is also seeing loads of activity (Good news .... another 70's building has been demolished in K'Rd - adjacent to St.Kevin's Arcade .... I have no idea what they are going to build there)

Disaster Zone or CONSTRUCTION ZONE..? lol

This is the reason the road is closed - not sure what they going to do with these?
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76730874.jpg

Disaster Zone or CONSTRUCTION ZONE..? lol

Looks as if a bomb exploded in the sewers ... LOL ... the first thing that pops to mind is DISASTER ZONE - The Yanks would say - GROUND ZERO ;)

The street itself will be repaved over the weekend, and the footpath retiling is almost completed. And yes, there are some new trees that have been planted (toward Victoria end of Lorne), and there will also be additional lighting. This should all be completed within a few weeks. Khartoum Place is also coming along. Unfortunately, because of public pressure, the garish, ugly tiles have been retained on the stairway. The rest of the redo should be very nice, however.

Resurfacing process has begun
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76771134.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76771136.jpg

New seating Khartoum Place (Note under bench lighting)
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76771135.jpg

New lighting in Khartoum Place
http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/image/76771138.jpg

The lights are FAB ! I must add that they have got this upgrade spot on - light paving for an otherwise darkish square .... if I can remember right - those "spot-lights" will project images onto the surrounding buildings and the trees ... I can't wait to see the finished product.

Funnily enough the reason I stumbled upon this site was me trying to see what was happening to this building while living overseas. And she's a top site at that. Anyways been living here with my girl since Feb. We were the 3rd apartment to move in. While I have a few gripes, they are minor and directed at the developer. His incompetence, probably due to too much coke and not enough attention to detail, resulted negatively on the building. Basically he lost money so didn't follow through with all the detailing on the building to try and recoup costs. That said we love it here - The fit out is decent, the size is manageable and the deck very generous. And its in the middle of where I work and study so convenience plus.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/DSC_0046.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/Lounge.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/Kitchen.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/Deck2.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/Deck1.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/bedroom2.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/Bedroom.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/DSC_0078.jpg

Far out of our price range but some views from the 28th floor.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/DSC_0011.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/Randini123/DSC_0007.jpg

Looks like you got yourself a nice pad there man. Yea shame about the final finishings to Precinct, especially the rooftop/crown. Silly kitchener.
lol nice new LCD tv there is it? :cheers:

Looks like you got yourself a nice pad there man. Yea shame about the final finishings to Precinct, especially the rooftop/crown. Silly kitchener.
lol nice new LCD tv there is it? :cheers:

Indeed it is. Was used once at a conference so got it cheap. Doubles as a computer monitor, but it really shines with the PS3 and blu-ray movies. Toys aye.

Haha yes, your just like me, love my electronics lol. Although being a student i haven't gone as far as getting an LCD tv yet lol.

Yeah nice tv mate.. This isnt the first project Kitchener has lost money on is it?

Yeah nice tv mate.. This isnt the first project Kitchener has lost money on is it?

As far as I know it is. But since getting caught with powder up the nose he's had some serious cashflow issues. Apparently the old boys club here in NZ frown on such scandals, which has made David Hendersons life a tad difficult. It's because noone was willing to lend him cash that 'the Stanley' was pulled, so he's focusing on the Victoria development. Apparently his building quality has come under a bit of scrutiny also - seems he built Princes Wharf without strengthening for the odd bump from cruise liners - cracks appearing all over the show so I'm told. Whoops.

^^Shit thats the last time im staying at the Hilton lol.