Architects Vie for Auckland Tower Bid
Melbourne-based property developer ICD Property has launched a design competition for its new $300 million multi-storey hotel and apartment tower in Auckland New Zealand.
Design heavyweights Zaha Hadid, Elenberg Fraser, Woods Bagot, Cox Architects along with New Zealand’s own Warren and Mahoney will vie for the multimillion project.
The 65-71 Federal Street development, located in Auckland’s CBD, marks the first international acquisition for ICD Property.
ICD secured the site from Skycity Entertainment Group for $40 million in May, a record sale achieving one of the highest price per square metre rates ($24,375 per sq m) ever recorded in the Auckland CBD.
The cross-Tasman move follows on from ICD’s Australian based residential developments including 65-storey Eq Tower in Melbourne which sold 80 per cent of its dwellings within two months, and the $26 million Maple in Hawthorn.
The five architects will design two versions of the building for the site, which is currently a seven-storey car park.
Through the competitive process to find an urban design solution, ICD’s deputy managing director Matthew Khoo says the goal is to create a building with unparalleled design standards and public amenity.
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“Key for Federal St is a design that enhances the Auckland skyline," Khoo said.
“The first design will be compliant to current planning restrictions, but given the quality of the architects, will still be impressive.”
“While the second design will demonstrate what could be achieved under more generous planning and focus on creating a distinct urban landmark statement in the centre of Auckland. ”
The project’s winner will be announced in early September.
