Auckland Council has just granted resource consent for a new 52-storey residential tower, designed by New Zealand architecture firm Peddle Thorp. Located on Customs Street East, the development will be built within the next three to four years.

The heritage building’s facade on Gore Street will remain unchanged and be integrated into the new development, alongside the incorporation and redevelopment of two smaller buildings that are currently on the site.

Bradley Luke, director of Peddle Thorp, says that the firm was briefed to design a high quality, timeless complex that redefines the potential of apartment living in Auckland. “The development has a human scale and warmth. We designed each apartment so they are liveable, high quality and maximise outdoor space.”

“The apartments with open-level balconies, stepped terraces and green walls are some of the most distinctive in the market. The translucency of these areas will also help to animate the façade at the wider city scale. Every apartment in the development is north-facing and most have unencumbered views out to the Waitemata Harbour,” commented Luke.

The main tower will house 221 apartments, including eleven floors of penthouse apartments, as well as a mix of three bedroom, two bedroom, one bedroom and studios. The base of the tower will have four floors of retail and restaurants. The smaller tower has been redesigned to house a new hotel.

The mega brace of the building is clearly visible, and wraps around the west and east façade and over the distinctive bi-planar roof form. 

“It was important to us that we designed a complex for all Aucklanders to enjoy and focused on creating pedestrian links through the building, as well as integrating it into the surrounding heritage buildings and other amenities,” says Luke.

At 187 metres, when built, this tower will be the tallest residential tower in Auckland city, and one of only a handful of towers with more than 50 stories.