Work to start on new Lake Hāwea development

Resource consent has been granted for stage one of Falcon Rise, a new residential lakefront development at Lake Hāwea.

Falcon Rise encompasses some of the last lakefront sites remaining in New Zealand. Nine of seventeen consented sites have already sold, with prices ranging from $1.6 million to $2.1 million.

Quartz Development Group managing director Matt Laming says the company is pleased to obtain council approval for the stage 1 of the project and looks forward to progressing stage 2.

“We’ve received great feedback on the plans from the community, and we’re excited to get this project underway,” he says. “At this stage we’re hoping to begin the earthworks within the next four weeks, starting with some vegetation removal.

“Falcon Rise has some of the last true lakefront sites remaining in the country, so the high level of interest was to be expected. The buyers so far have strong connections to Hāwea – some are already here, with some people looking to return,” Laming adds.

While the original consent application was for 20 lots, the granted consent comprises 17 lots with a balance lot of 2081sq m, which will be subject to a separate consent for the final three lots.

“Despite our best efforts, QLDC at this stage has not been able to find a logical solution to mitigating urban design effects for the remaining three lots, so regrettably we have had to modify the initial plan to allow us to get underway while that is resolved. This means there may be an extended period of traffic disruption during the construction phase and potentially a final design outcome that is less appealing to the local community,” Laming explains.

Falcon Rise – located just off Capell Avenue at the entrance to Lake Hāwea – will eventually be complemented by the anticipated Hāwea Hotel & Residences, a commercial precinct also featuring hospitality, light retail, coworking spaces, accommodation, housing and entertainment.

Further consent applications are being developed and will eventually be lodged for construction of the new precinct, further up Capell Avenue on a site that includes the existing Hāwea Store & Kitchen.

The existing Hāwea Hotel will remain operational for the foreseeable future, with accommodation bookings still being taken until at least April 2026. The restaurant and bar will remain open beyond that date.

Planned works due to commence soon also include the disestablishment of the restaurant’s current garden bar. New lawn will be established around the front and existing patios will be utilized as a semi-permanent stage for events, so the community won’t be without an outdoor area to eat and drink, Laming adds.

“The community won’t be left without a restaurant and bar throughout any stage of the development – it will be business as usual.”

The new Hāwea Hotel & Residences precinct will enhance Lake Hāwea, rejuvenating the township with better hospitality and social spaces. Once operational, Lake Hāwea Hotel & Residences is expected to establish approximately 40 new jobs in the area.

“A modern, quality hospitality offering is exactly what the township needs and we’re looking forward to seeing that take shape, and building something that will service the Hāwea community for decades to come,” Laming adds.