Woods collaborated with Wakatū Incorporation, a collective of local iwi, to convert a former orchard into a vibrant 42-lot residential subdivision.

Our role

Suffolk Road is among several residential projects initiated by Wakatū Incorporation, one of the largest private landowners in the Nelson and Tasman regions. The project's vision was to repurpose underutilised horticultural land to meet the growing demand for housing in the area.​

Commencing in 2016, Woods provided comprehensive services encompassing planning, civil and earthworks engineering, surveying, and project management throughout the construction phases. The development culminated in early 2020, delivering 42 residential lots and a dedicated parcel for a new community hospice.

Key challenges

The site's history as an orchard presented challenges due to residual soil contamination from past horticultural practices. Addressing this required a coordinated approach involving soil contamination and geotechnical experts to devise and implement an effective remediation strategy.​

The eastern boundary of the site adjoined the Orphanage Stream, necessitating careful planning to manage stormwater runoff and preserve the natural landscape. The topography, with flat northern areas and elevated southern sections offering panoramic views, required thoughtful design to optimise lot layouts and infrastructure.

Outcome

Through collaboration and proactive project management, Woods successfully transformed the site into a well-integrated residential community. The development features a mix of housing options, enhanced by the natural amenity of the Orphanage Stream, which was complemented with appropriate landscaping to create a distinctive edge to the subdivision.​

The project's success underscores the importance of early stakeholder engagement, effective communication, and adaptive problem-solving in delivering sustainable and community-focused developments.