Tomorrow's Yesterday: December 2006

Five-Star Apartments Above Landmark Auckland Hotel
A striking new addition to the Auckland central city skyline is about to take shape on top of one of Auckland’s landmark hotels.
The Stamford on Albert Residences will rise 10 levels above the 5-star Stamford Plaza Hotel, which has been undergoing a $10 million refurbishment over the past four months, and provide 143 luxury apartments right in the heart of Auckland’s CBD
Catering for the current strong demand for spacious, quality apartments at the upper end of the Auckland residential market, Stamford on Albert Residences will provide predominantly two and three bedroom apartments, but with some one-bedroom apartments also starting at $420,000.
There will be 10 luxury double-level penthouses on the top floor from 236 square metres to one of Auckland’s largest at 729 square metres. These are priced from just under $3 million to over $9 million
Located at the northern end of Albert Street, the residences are within a short stroll of the harbour and Viaduct yet are located on freehold land, meaning owners are free of the substantial annual land lease charges levied on many CBD apartments close to the waterfront.
Each apartment is detailed with floor to ceiling glass and enclosed balconies which take full advantage of the light and ever changing harbour and city views both by day and night. The innovative 1.5 metre wide internal balcony is enclosed in a mix of fixed glazing and sliding panels that can be opened vertically in good weather. The means the balconies can be used all-year round either in an enclosed, open or semi-open configuration.
A retractable inner screen will divide the balcony from the lounge and dining area but as there is no change of level between these areas, the space can be used as one living area to maximise the space and views.
In another novel building feature, residents will be transported to their secure internal carparks in a specially designed car lift that is being installed at the rear of the building
The apartments will also have a level of design usually reserved for luxury homes, with immaculately styled ensuite bathrooms, ceiling heights that accentuate the openness of the residences andelegant fittings with a combination ofquality timber, tile, marble and stainless steel finishes.
Residents can also enjoy the Stamford Plaza Auckland hotel’s exclusive selection of five-star services and facilities. Following its extensive refurbishment, the hotel has raised the benchmark in luxury accommodation in the city.
The grand foyer (pictured) has been completely redesigned and reconfigured into a light filled, more contemporary look with a new restaurant and bars incorporated into the lobby area along with the addition of a teppanyaki restaurant. New retail space is being added around the ground level of the hotel to complete the revitalisation of the city block that the Stamford sits on.
Residents as well as guests will be able to utilise all the hotel’s facilities and amenities including 24-hour room service and a state-of-the art health and fitness centre which will include a pool, spa with massage services, sauna and gymnasium.
However apartment owners will have their own separate entranceway and glazed lobby area off Albert Street with their own concierge services exclusive to residents. An "observation” lift will run up a striking glass column on the exterior of the building for use by residents and their visitors and there will also be internal residents' lifts off the carparks.
The Stamford Plaza has been an iconic building in Auckland since it was established as the Regent Hotel 25 years. The $100 million-plus addition to and refurbishment of the existing complex builds on the distinctive design and imagery of the existing hotel.
The addition, designed by Peddle Thorp Architects and being built by Fletcher Construction, incorporates a modern facade design to the residences with the retention of selected features at the corners and roof line of the building. These features will appear more prominently and dramatically on the skyline and the facade design reinforces the image that the hotel continues below the new residences.
Separating the new residences from the Hotel is the health club and swimming pool area which is enclosed in double height clear glazing set back to provide a junction of the “new with the old.“.
The redevelopment and expansion of the building is being undertaken by Stamford Land Corporation. Founded in 1935, the group is the largest owner and operator of luxury hotels in major cities across Australasia and is also a leading developer of high quality residential and mixed-use properties in landmark locations.
The four-month upgrade of the hotel and strengthening of the existing building to enable it to take an additional ten floors has been completed as the first stage of the development. Work is now commencing on the new recreation centre and the apartments.
For further information contact Fran Hudson-Carter, (09) 375 8487 or 021 907 993 or visit www.stamfordresidences.co.nz; www.stamford.com.au.