Fletcher Living has revealed the masterplan for its latest premium residential project, ‘The Hill,’ set to transform part of the historic Ellerslie Racecourse into a modern community. At the heart of the development is ‘Belvedere,’ a striking collection of apartments designed by Warren & Mahoney, serving as the focal point of this landmark project.
Located in the prestigious Remuera suburb, ‘The Hill’ has already garnered strong interest from discerning buyers eager to secure homes on this once-inaccessible piece of Auckland’s real estate.
Built on the former steeplechase track of the Ellerslie Racecourse—once famous for hosting the Great Northern Hurdle and Steeplechase—Fletcher Living aims to honor the history of the site while creating a vibrant new community that will contribute to Auckland’s urban landscape.
The development repurposes 6.2 hectares of land into a diverse residential offering. The Hill will feature 357 architecturally designed homes across three precincts: luxury apartments, bespoke houses, and Vivid Living, which offers retirement accommodations. The range of housing options caters to growing families, downsizers, retirees, and those seeking a community-focused lifestyle with easy access to local amenities, shopping, and public transport.
“This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of Auckland’s heritage,” said Steve Evans, Chief Executive of Fletcher Living. “We’ve worked closely with our design partners to ensure The Hill balances respect for the site’s history with the delivery of modern, sustainable homes that reflect the diverse needs of Auckland’s residents.”
‘Belvedere’ will offer 51 premium apartments, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences, featuring expansive views over the racecourse and out to some of Auckland’s most iconic maungas, including Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill and Rangitoto.
The community will also include beautifully landscaped gardens, walkways, and green spaces, offering residents a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city. The mature pōhutukawa trees along Ladies Mile, a beloved feature of the area, will remain as part of the landscape.
The site was purchased from Auckland Thoroughbred Racing in March 2022 and was fast-tracked under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020, allowing for quicker approvals and a more rapid development process.
“The Hill showcases how expedited approvals can lead to faster project completion, positively impacting the local economy and contributing to the availability of much-needed housing,” said Evans.
Development began in mid-2023, with construction of homes slated to begin in 2025. Groundbreaking for Belvedere is expected in mid-2025, with the project’s completion anticipated by mid-2027.
“It’s an honor to develop this historic land. With The Hill, we are setting a new standard for Auckland’s housing market, proving what can be achieved with thoughtful, masterplanned communities,” Evans added. “Thanks to our expert partners, The Hill is set to become a sought-after destination for families, professionals, and retirees, blending modern living with a deep connection to Auckland’s rich history.”
