Development of a boutique vineyard estate in Cromwell is one step closer thanks to a new partnership between Wooing Tree Vineyard and Crawshaw Properties Limited.

Crawshaw Properties Limited, a Tauranga-based property investment company, has partnered with Wooing Tree Vineyard owners and Cromwell locals Steve and Thea Farquharson in a joint venture to undertake the development planned for the 25.4ha Wooing Tree site bounded by State Highway 6, State Highway 8B and Shortcut Road.

North Island-based Veros Property has been appointed as development manager.

The Wooing Tree wine business will continue to be 100 per cent owned and operated by the Farquharsons and the famous ‘wooing tree’ will remain a feature of the development.

Steve Farquharson says he is delighted to have a team of like-minded individuals on board to see the development come to fruition.

“Wooing Tree Vineyard Estate has been carefully designed to support the local wine and tourism industry, as well as offering a quality housing precinct as this region experiences unprecedented growth,” he says. “It is quite a special project and therefore it was paramount for us to partner with a development manager that has the experience, knowledge and expertise required and, importantly, shares our vision for the future of Cromwell.”

Cromwell’s future growth prospects are significant. Located an equal distance between Wanaka and Queenstown, it’s an ideal location to support population growth in the Central Otago region. The iconic site will appeal as a wine and tourism destination as it is developed into a boutique vineyard village comprising premium residential, retail and commercial spaces.

Veros Property has led numerous successful residential and commercial projects around New Zealand, including extensive subdivisions, retail and education facilities and apartment complexes.

“We are very excited to be managing the development of Wooing Tree Vineyard Estate,” says Veros Property senior development manager Sean Haynes. “We have pulled together an experienced investment and development team from Tauranga and the necessary equity funds to deliver a quality project.

“Importantly, Steve and Thea are remaining in the development partnership and will continue to run the vineyard. The project will retain and celebrate its unique location, as well as leveraging off the history and the quality brand that is Wooing Tree.”

Resource consent will be lodged later this year and the Wooing Tree vineyard and cellar door will continue to remain open throughout the development of Wooing Tree Vineyard Estate.

“We will be retaining the vineyard identity of the land – some vines will be removed progressively as the residential stages are developed but we will retain the vines as a buffer zone around the site,” Haynes says. “The Wooing Tree brand, vines and cellar door will remain a key point of difference and we will deliver a high-quality residential precinct that Cromwell will be really proud of.”

Farquharson adds: “Wooing Tree will still be producing our exceptional-quality wines from our own grapes, as well as supplementary grapes from local growers.”

Veros Property plans to have an office in Cromwell later this year and will use local builders and suppliers throughout the project.

Stage One will accommodate approximately 40-55 lots, subject to final section and house types. It is hoped these sections will be ready for presale in December 2019, with construction commencing approximately April 2020.

Stage Two will activate the retail and hospitality precinct, as well as further residential. This stage will be subject to finalising the design, function and cost of the State Highway intersection in consultation with the New Zealand Transport Authority and the Central Otago District Council.