Piece of Morrinsville history up for sale

The former Morrinsville Town Council municipal chambers is going up for auction.

The character building, originally constructed as the Morrinsville Town Council chambers in the 1930s and now housing one of the Waikato town’s most popular food and beverage operations, has been placed on the market for sale.

The Municipal Chambers premises on Canada St is a 426 square metre single story building sitting on 1787sqm of land.

The sole tenant is Council Cafe & Bar, which operates a fully licensed cafe during the day and bar/restaurant at night.

The building housed Morrinsville Town Council staff and council meetings between 1934 and the early 1990s when the administrative body was absorbed into the MatamataPiako District Council and its function was transferred to a new premises.

Salesperson Josh Smith said the property had numerous potential opportunities for any new owner, ranging from a passive investment through to developing more space for hospitality and food and beverage operations.

Smith said the building was generating an income of $43,680 per annum from a sole tenant, which has a new lease on the premises through until 2019.

The business caters to a diverse local clientele – including regular live music nights and private function bookings.

‘‘An extension of the existing lease - with the new cafe´ owners appreciating what a solid business model they have purchased - would create immediate value for the asset,’’ he said.

‘‘Then there’s the potential to redevelop either side of the building, or rear of the premises.

Existing in a horse-shore position on the flat rectangular land holding, there is substantial driveway access down both sides of the building- leading to extensive customer and staff car parking at the rear.

‘‘The abundant amount of some 44 car parking spaces exclusively available for clientele of the Council Cafe & Bar business, is of immense benefit to the tenant - as patrons don’t have to trawl the road for parking availability, which can be a premium during weekdays.

‘‘Subject to council consent, additional space could be created in any direction. This would expand the existing floor space, and allow for the potential catering of bigger functions.’’