The pieces are falling into place for Kiwi Property's ambitious plan to build a new town at Drury over the next 20 years.
An artist's illustration of the Kiwi Property development for Drury Photo: Supplied / Kiwi Property
The government has announced it would invest $2.4 billion towards the development of roads and rail into South Auckland, including a bus and rail interchange to support the planned development at Drury.
This was a key piece to Kiwi Property's plan for three greenfield sites in Drury, including a new town centre and residential development on 51.3 hectares of land.
The company bought two pieces of land for $39.8m three years ago, with a first option to buy another 8.6-hectare parcel.
Transport Minister Phil Twyford said Drury would be a well-planned community, with talks underway to develop the necessary amenities, such as schools, social and health services.
"Developers are not only poised to start building homes around these transport connections, they are in discussions with the Green Building Council to adopt their Green Star community standards which require outstanding and sustainable amenities for residents, workers and visitors," he said.
Kiwi Property chief executive Clive Mackenzie said the government support would make the multi-billion dollar project come to life.
He said the company was currently working on a plan for the development, which he hoped would shortly be notified through Auckland Council.
That would be followed by a period of community consultation, which would undoubtedly draw some opposition.
The project would gobble up some of New Zealand's most productive farmlands.
Mackenzie said the consultation was designed to draw out those concerns and hoped the community would take part in the process.
Kiwi Property hoped to begin the development in the next two years.