The final stage of Queenstown’s popular Quail Rise subdivision is about to be marketed.
Sixteen years after launching his enclave above Tucker Beach Road, Queenstown developer David Broomfield is preparing to sell off the last 22 sections following a plan change approval.
So far he’s sold 186 sections, all but eight of which have been built on.
Stage one and two sections sold for $85,000 and $125,000, respectively.
‘Safe with no traffic’
With three young boys, local councillor/lawyer Russell Mawhinney couldn’t think of a better place than Quail Rise to live.
“There are lots of other families here so the boys have always got someone to kick around with, whether it’s biking, cricket, footy, tennis or whatever.
“It’s safe – people look out for each other, and there’s no through traffic to speak of.
“You have your own space but at the same time it’s very easy to get a few people together for a BBQ or whatever.”
Quail Rise is a lot bigger than when his family settled 10 years ago, “but by and large it seems to be in keeping with the original vision”,
Mawhinney says.
Mawhinney adds that developer David Broomfield deserves credit for retaining an active interest in how Quail Rise is for the people who live there.
Prices peaked at $290,000 in the boom, but are set at $235,000 in the final eighth and ninth stages.
Developed properties sell from $595,000 up to $1.3 million for exclusive Manata Green dwellings.
Protecting Quail Rise for family-type living is the key to the subdivision, Broomfield maintains.
Sections, he noted, have averaged 1500sq m, more than double the district average.
Houses have to conform to design standards, with a six-metre setback from the road.
Landscaping has been encouraged.
“In the first four stages, we gave away and planted seven established trees in each section,” Broomfield says.
Two large reserves were also set aside – 56 per cent of Quail Rise is in open space.
Broomfield says a series of cul de sacs also encourages a sense of community.
“Each little area, because they’re short, private cul de sacs, has its own little environment that people care and look after one another in.
“You go talk to any owners there, and you’ll find they’re all very happy,” Broomfield says.
Commercial activities are banned.
“Four owners are starting to try and run small businesses, and that’ll be addressed by us,” Broomfield says.
The only exception will be a childcare facility in Quail Rise’s final stage.
Broomfield says his biggest regret is that Queenstown Lakes District Council wouldn’t allow him to widen the angled accessway off Tucker Beach Rd.
The final stage will see Ferry Hill Drive extended to join the Frankton highway at a roundabout that will also be accessed by a realigned Glenda Drive.
In time, Broomfield believes 50 per cent of Quail Rise traffic will use this new accessway.
“From a business point of view, the partners have only received a marginal return. The most alarming thing, looking to the future, is the ever-increasing cost of the Resource Management Act and processing by the local authority.”
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