The Watermark

Outlook

June 2007, issue 1

 

Welcome to Outlook, our inaugural newsletter updating you on progress at The Watermark Residences. Since the public launch of The Watermark project on March 14th the level of interest has been outstanding. Launching such a high standard of residential living on this scale was unprecedented in New Zealand. It is gratifying to see that the demand from buyers has exceeded our own expectations and that Wellingtonians do appreciate both the quality and lifestyle facilities that have not previously been available.

The Watermark residents' lobby
The Watermark Entrance lobby

Each month, Outlook will give you a pulse on progress and introduce you to a “feature-room” focus, along with updates via a Residence Focus. This month’s feature room is the Outdoor Loggia and we are excited to release our new Unit L configuration for sale.

But first, a who’s who of lifestyle business who have rushed at the opportunity to be at The Watermark. With sales currently well ahead of targets, we are pleased to announce that several exciting names have secured key positions. East Day Spa has signed an exclusivity agreement with The Watermark for the second floor day spa area and Mojo Café will be housed within the ground floor of the new building. We are in discussions with Citron restaurant, who are looking at locating in either the ground or first floor of the Rialto. We are also talking to a boutique wine bar operator for the ground floor. It’s all about putting the perfect blend of lifestyle businesses at your disposal.

Construction Update

Next month we will be commencing test drilling underneath the Markets building. With piles needing to extend 30 metres underground (that’s more than the height of The Duxton Hotel!) we will be working well below sea level. The test drilling will enable us to continue the detailed construction and engineering designs that are needed to deliver a seismic rating sufficient to withstand a 1 in 1000 year earthquake (double the current code). Further structural tests on the Rialto building will also be done at this time.

We are continuing to refine the exhibition hall as we test both design and product quality. We are very fortunate to have the luxury of such prototype construction and this is enabling us to deliver such a refined end product.

Outdoor room/Loggia

Feature-room Focus – The Outdoor Loggia

You can’t beat Wellington on a good day, but as you know occasionally it does get a little breezy. OK, often. For many residences this can make outdoor living just a wishful dream. Well not any longer... The Watermark exterior loggia and terraces provide a protected and vibrant outdoor entertaining area for you. Enjoy a warm protected haven, thanks to the flexibility of a well-designed sliding glass panel and adjustable louvers in front of the outdoor lounge area. A built-in barbeque and mini fridge give you all the freedom for easy entertaining. For added warmth and a homely ambience the gas fireplace with its flue less system is only a flick of a switch away. These features will dramatically increase the number of days you can enjoy outdoor living at its best.

Waterfront Update

The Frank Kitts Park re-development project will shortly be tendered out to leading architecture and design companies nationwide. The five best submissions will be short-listed and then presented to the public for feedback by July/August. The total budget for the project is approx $7m, of which $4m is earmarked for the creation of a 3000m Chinese Garden within the park space. It’s nice to see the Council investing so substantially in the front garden of The Watermark – and the tranquillity of the garden will be a welcome bonus!

The Watermark goes green

The Watermark is committed to environmental and sustainable design. This is reflected in everything we do, from rubbish-recycling areas on every floor to double-glazing in every apartment. The Watermark also has a centralised hot water plant supplying all the residences, which delivers far more efficiency than individual hot-water cylinders. The Project Team is currently looking at creating a “carbon neutral” building. This means that all the energy used to heat, light and power the common areas of The Watermark will be offset with the purchase of carbon credits (i.e. tree-planting).

Residence Focus – L Residence, new and hot in demand

Exceptional demand has seen our two bedroom residences virtually all SOLD. To overcome further buyer disappointment, we have therefore instructed Studio Pacific Architecture to combine several of the one-bedroom units into larger two bedroom residences.

view from 7L at dusk
View from 7L at dusk
The result is the stunning type L residence of which three will be built. These include all of the standard features of a Watermark residence with the addition of a see through indoor-outdoor fireplace. The two bedroom, two bathroom configuration features a spacious eight bay Poliform kitchen (as seen in the display suite) and an additional alcove off the living area is suitable as a study or as additional living space. Facing west with a city view they will enjoy excellent late sun and are priced from $1.75 million. This price includes one car park with an option to purchase a second car park for $125,000 on a first-enquiry in basis. As with the other residences, the pricing includes your share of the 80 public car parks, which will generate revenue for the body corporate (offsetting body corporate expenses), plus numerous other extras of which there are too many to list here. Don’t delay. As this newsletter goes to print, we already have two of these L type units under contract so please move quickly if you are interested in the remaining unit.

We’re proud of progress – and you’re always welcome to arrange a time to stop in and view- The Watermark is already creating quite a presence on the capital’s landscape.

If you would like more information about The Watermark residences, or have any questions about the information contained in this newsletter, please contact us on: 0800 WATERMARK or email amanda@thewatermark.co.nz