Progress is continuing at the Paeroa Hills development site, with the chapel and roundabout both scheduled for completion by Christmas.
Wayne Wright Jr told The Profile he remained committed to the development of the former racecourse, which was started by his late parents, Wayne Sr and Chloe, in 2023.
The site will eventually feature 300 house sites, an inclusive-living complex, a chapel, shops, a park and cycle trail, and other community amenities.
The chapel, a tribute to Wayne Jr’s mother, will be the first finished building in the space once construction is completed in mid-December.
“We’re putting the roof on at the moment… the building is all weathertight now,” he said.
“It looks spectacular when you’re inside it… it’s very well laid out and it really reflects my mother’s eye for design.
“We’re currently just drawing up the front door entranceway to the chapel, and I think we’ll probably put a big arched Chloe Wright Memorial Chapel over those front doors so that we permanently enshrine her participation in that and her memory.”
Elsewhere, Wayne’s plans for the development have pivoted slightly from the initial plans his father had laid out.
“We’ve decided not to build an apartment complex there, because I’m not satisfied that there’s a call for one,” he said.
“But we have doubled down on building the new Tote Restaurant and finishing out our pavilion that’s right next to the chapel, to make it even more friendly for guests.”
The restaurant, named in reference to the property’s origins as a racecourse, will be located where the grandstand currently sits, Wayne said.
“My father had intended to put the restaurant further back on the property line, but I’ve pulled away from that idea,” he said.
“In my opinion, [the grandstand] doesn’t really look the part and I’m not sure how it could be best utilised. But I’m inclined to put the new restaurant basically in its place so we can get a better use of the site.”
Wayne Family Investments Ltd intended to retain full ownership of the chapel, restaurant and pavilion, as well as the future shopping village, Wayne said.
“Our ultimate vision there is for the Wright family to retain ownership… so that we ensure that it has the highest level of quality, fit and finish for many years to come.
“I’m pivoting the Wright family’s investments from just doing straight development works to having an eye to retaining key pieces of infrastructure in perpetuity as an investment portfolio for us, but also to ensure that long-term quality of service and product,” he said.
Meanwhile, roadworks continue at the entrance of Paeroa Hills, where a roundabout will intersect with State Highway 26 to allow access to the development.
The roadworks began on June 8, and are expected to continue for approximately 15 weeks.
Access to the north end of Norwood Rd is currently blocked, with a detour available via Claremont Ave.
