In the year 2000 Ohope Point Apartments Ltd secured four adjoining sites collectively exceeding 4000m2, in arguably the best location in Port Ohope. With fantastic views across the beautiful Ohiwa Harbour and also over the Pacific Ocean, we recognized the importance of maximising the site potential. To obtain the very best possible design solution, we invited six reputable architectural practices with considerable design expertise, to submit a design concept for the site.
From those six submissions, award-winning architects Crosson Clarke and Design Group Elliott were selected to further develop their design, the final outcome of which is presented here ¿ Ohope Beach Resort. With Ohope being new to such developments at that time, we acknowledged the need to conduct sound market research to accurately determine the specific expectation of the Ohope market. Not only did we draw on the best of similar developments, particularly in the Mount Maunganui area, but we took time to talk with prospective purchasers and listen to what they felt was important.
Our architects took that information, refined the development to incorporate the best of the ideas and market expectations, and produced a stunningly effective design that we know you will find impressive. In April 2003 the Whakatane District Council granted resource consent for a reduced height development. Consequently this was appealed to the Environment Court and following a hearing in December 2004, which we won, consent was finally released in July 2005.
Working drawings had commenced already while building and excavation consents for the basement were applied for. Excavation on the site began in October 2005 with construction work getting underway the following month. The project was constructed over the following two years completion was achieved in August 2007.