A New Way of Living Comes to Cambridge

Resource consents have been granted to develop St Kilda Waterways, three kilometres outside the town of Cambridge.

Earthworks at the 88 hectare development site will get underway in early 2010. Properties are on the market now, with 66 sections available in the first release. A total of 285 sections will be developed and offered for purchase over five releases.

Co‐founder, Matt Smith, who developed the Saffron residential property development in Cambridge, says his vision for St Kilda Waterways is to create New Zealand’s most eco‐friendly community precinct.

“We’ve been planning the St Kilda Waterways development for five years and our vision is that it will be a first for New Zealand.

“I’ve personally been researching similar developments in Australia, Europe and the US and our plan is to take the best eco‐development ideas from around the world and create the highest green‐rated subdivision in New Zealand.

“And, we’re starting from the ground up. Our development isn’t just about building green houses, but building an entire community precinct that has a neutral impact on the environment,” explains Mr Smith.

Mr Smith says nearly one‐quarter of the development will consist of parks and reserves.

“Twenty five hectares will incorporate two to four lakes and extensive reserves. The main lake will be accessible to kayakers. We’ll have seven kilometres of cycleways and footpaths and exercise stations around the lakes and subdivision. This great environment will foster a healthy community culture, which is one of our primary objectives for St Kilda Waterways.

“One of the other features we’re very excited about is our ecological corridor which will link to nearby Maungatautari mountain. Through the use of extensive native plantings, we will create a haven for birds flying to and from the mountain reserve,” says Mr Smith.

Homes built at St Kilda Waterways will undergo approval by the development’s Design Council. The Council will work with homeowners to ensure house plans meet its green energy conservation building standards.

“St Kilda Waterways is on the right side of global trends and this right‐sided mentality will see residents receiving premiums for their properties into the future due to our mandatory building design guidelines,” explains Mr Smith.

Right House is one of the development’s main partners and will work with homeowners throughout the planning and building process.

“Right House will ensure that every home within our subdivision receives a certificate that rates the home on thermal performance, water conservation measures, appliances, energy consumption and solar gains.

“Our integrated approach will combine the skill sets of the future home owner, Right House, the chosen architect, the chosen builder and the building design guidelines to produce ‘smarter’ homes,” outlines Mr Smith.

For more information on St Kilda Waterways, visit: http://www.stkildawaterways.co.nz/

ENDS

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