Fun times are afoot in 2024, with a rooftop bar rising over Takapuna as part of a multi-business complex on a prominent site in the centre of town.

Work is well underway on transforming the corner plot on the Anzac Street and Hurstmere Road roundabout into a three-storey complex, to include an ice therapy/float tank studio and a massive rooftop bar and restaurant with wide views.
The brainchild of locally-based Elliot Knight and his team at Knight Crawford is set to soar this season, with completion due on the landmark project later this summer.
“I have always thought Takapuna has been built the wrong way around,” says Lake Pupuke resident Elliot. “All the cafés and restaurants are on the wrong side of the street, and away from these amazing beach views we have here. It’s ludicrous!”
So the new dad set about changing that with his latest local project; his last was the building on the corner of Hurstmere Road and The Promenade, next to the Bruce Mason Centre, which now houses Wallace Cotton and several other businesses including his own.
The new triple frontage build is being constructed and managed by another local, Aaron Douglas. Milford man Aaron and his team at Hype Builders worked with Elliot on The Promenade build, a Hinemoa Street project in Birkenhead Point and more. Elliot says, “I engaged Aaron for this project as someone who goes above and beyond to do excellent work. He really cares. He’s a high-end home builder and I knew he would give that level of care and detail to this build.”
Aaron, who set up Hype Builders on the Shore five years ago with his wife Lauren, is enjoying the challenge of converting this corner site to give it a new lease of life. The build is complex and will include escalators and a lift to the rooftop bar, a retractable roof and extensive glass balustrades. High stud ceilings, steel k-braces and strong use of cedar will also feature.
Aaron says, “Elliot does great projects. You know whatever it is, it’s not going to look boring! And it’s going to be quality. I like the use of steel and the rawness these k-braces will bring to the space. It’s a challenging site, being on a corner, with three floors and three sides, but it’s progressing well.”
Owner of Auckland Viaduct’s Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Company, Five Fellas, is bringing a rooftop bar and restaurant to the site. “It will be a huge format bar, with retractable roof and glass balustrades all around the exterior,” says Elliot. “You’ll have all
day sun, amazing views and get to
see some sweet sunsets.”
A full brewery is set to line the interior back wall and a stone pizza oven will be part of the fit-out, as will a huge, curved glass unit, with marble features adding contrast to the cedar and steel used.
Downstairs, ‘modern wellness centre’ O-Studio is bringing its offerings to the North Shore from Christchurch. Sauna and ice bath facilities, floatation tanks, yoga and meditation classes and more will cater to Takapuna’s health-conscious community. Premium Real Estate will remain an occupant and WBB Chartered Accountants will also continue to be based there.
Elliot is looking for one more hospitality outfit to come into the first floor. He says he’s being picky about finding the right fit. “I’d like an all-day eatery, something like Amano does in the city, ideally. I’m in talks with a few businesses and hope to find something perfect for this 170m² space soon.”