Updated November 2022: The properties described in this story have been withdrawn from the market and are no longer for sale.

The Northlake site that was once approved for a hotel will now be turned into a series of high-end townhouses.

Construction of the ‘Alta Villas’, with purchase prices which start at $1.8M, is due to begin in the second quarter of 2022, each featuring three or four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and double garages.

Winton, the development company behind the Northlake subdivision, said the change of plans was due to Covid-19’s effects on the housing market.

“Like many New Zealand businesses, Winton has adjusted to the new COVID landscape and the implications to the residential and accommodation market,” Winton representative Sonya Fynmore said. 

An artists’ impression of the townhouses. PHOTO: Supplied

The site, bounded by Northlake Drive, Merivale Avenue and Mt Creighton Crescent, was approved to be developed as a hotel back in 2019 against significant community backlash.

See also: ‘Northlake Hotel given green light’

The hotel, which was originally going to replace a planned community tennis court, was opposed in 141 submissions during a plan change hearing, with opponents concerned about the size and scale of the hotel project and the effect on the neighbouring residential area, among other things.

Instead the site will now have 27 townhouses on it, topping out at two storeys.

The homes will range from just over 140sqm up to 249sqm.

The high-end homes start at $1.8M. PHOTO: Supplied

Winton, the developers, said the decision had been made to swap the hotel for homes as a result of the effects of Covid-19 on the accommodation market. PHOTO: Supplied

Sonya said the architecturally designed townhouses were “perfect for lock-up-and-leave homes or holiday homes”.

Winton is also planning a series of holiday apartments at an adjacent site on Northlake Drive. 

See also: Holiday apartments proposed for Northlake

Construction of the Alta Villas will be phased over two stages, with both due to be completed by the third quarter of 2023.