Historic former church for sale in CBD

A landmark central Auckland character building is set for a new life as the former Christian Science Church on Symonds Street goes on the market.

Designed by English-born architect Charles Towle, and constructed in 1933, the building’s Graeco-Roman facade and towering columns are an imposing presence on the busy arterial route on the edge of the CBD.

The Auckland Council Heritage B-listed property hosted congregational and Sunday school services for 70 years before it was sold, painstakingly refurbished and converted to office accommodation in 2003, with great care taken to retain its character.

Subsequent uses of its versatile open-plan spaces have included as a gallery-style art space and a Chinese cultural events centre, hosting up to 350 people at exhibitions, cultural performances and conferences.

The repurposed church’s commercial property credentials are maximised by its prominent CBD location on the corner of Symonds St and St Martins Lane, close to key amenities and transport links.

The freehold standalone property at 116 Symonds Street, Auckland, is now being marketed for sale with vacant possession by Phil Haydock and James Were of Bayleys Auckland Central.

Sale is by way of a tender closing on Tuesday 6 December, unless it is sold prior.

Haydock said the converted church rated as one of central Auckland’s finest character buildings.

“It retains many of the early 20th century architectural features that make it such an impressive, one-of-a-kind premises. Its mix of grand open-plan space and private offices and meeting rooms makes this unique and high-quality space suitable for a wide range of uses.

“The building was constructed to the highest standards of its day, with wood paneling, ceiling cornices and ornate timber doors with leadlight inserts. Arched ceilings dominate the main high-stud former congregational space. Numerous picturesque windows create a light, airy feel and a truly special ambiance for a commercial space,” Haydock said.

Presenting a big added advantage for a heritage building of its age, the structure has been seismically strengthened to 80 percent of new building standard.

The basement provides 10 secure, covered car parks, with the ability to stack more cars if needed – a huge benefit given the CBD location.

The repurposed church offers a floor area of some 602 square metres on a 580-square metre fee simple site, with a 16-metre frontage to busy Symonds Street.

An ornate entry gallery creates a grand first impression upon entering the building.

The former congregational space of some 300 square metres contains the main hall and offices. Approximately 136 square metres of additional offices are available on the first floor.

The balance of the building incorporates further small offices, storage and amenities.

Were said this mix of unique, character spaces lent the property a rare versatility for various future uses, and potentially multiple occupiers, which would pique the interest of owner-occupiers and investors alike.

“It could become a prestigious boutique base for a high-end professional services firm such as a lawyer’s or accountancy practice.

“There’s also potential for a residential conversion, or the chance to create a CBD live-work arrangement like no other. These options are supported by the site’s position in the coveted Auckland Grammar School zone.

“Alternatively, it could be sought after for community-based activities, or for the likes of a theatre or art exhibition space,” said Were.

The Symonds Street site is zoned Business – City Centre under Auckland’s unitary plan. It boasts exceptional access to the CBD and affluent city-fringe suburbs such as Newmarket, Parnell and Mt Eden.

The property sits across the road from the Cordis Hotel. The University of Auckland and AUT are a short walk away, as is Queen Street, Auckland Hospital and Auckland Domain.

“Symonds Street funnels many city bus routes into and out of the CBD, offering one of the highest concentrations of bus services anywhere in Auckland.

“The site for sale is also metres from a motorway onramp. The Grafton Gully interchange down the hill provides access to the Northern, Southern and Northwestern motorway systems, enabling easy connections across greater Auckland,” Were said.

- Article supplied by Bayleys