Erskine Development

The Erskine Development in Island Bay is one of Wellington's most significant residential redevelopment projects, transforming the former Erskine College site into a vibrant new community while carefully respecting the heritage and character of this landmark location. Developed by The Wellington Company, Homestead was proudly involved in bringing this vision to life, delivering 78 architecturally designed townhouses across a multi-stage development completed between 2018 and 2021.

Situated on a site rich in history, the development balances contemporary living with heritage preservation. While much of the former college campus was reimagined for residential use, the iconic Chapel of the Sacred Heart was retained, restored, and seismically strengthened, ensuring an important piece of Wellington's architectural history remains at the heart of the community.

Designed by award-winning CoLab Architecture, the development draws inspiration from the French-Gothic character of the original college buildings while incorporating subtle Scandinavian influences to create a distinctive and timeless architectural identity. The master-planned community comprises seven unique precincts, offering a mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom homes designed to accommodate a wide range of lifestyles and residents.

Homestead's involvement spanned multiple stages of construction, delivering high-quality townhouse accommodation across the site while working within the complexities of a large-scale urban redevelopment. The result is a thoughtfully designed neighbourhood that combines quality architecture, modern living, and a strong sense of place within one of Wellington's most desirable coastal suburbs.

The success of the development was recognised through the NZIA Wellington Architecture Awards, reflecting the quality of both the design vision and project execution. Today, the Erskine Development stands as an outstanding example of how heritage, architecture, and modern housing can be successfully integrated to create a lasting community with enduring appeal.