Historic church part of Khyber Pass portfolio of properties
A portfolio of three adjoining properties for sale on the Khyber Pass ridge in the Auckland suburb of Grafton, one of which includes a heritage church, offers a range of development, add-value and community use opportunities. he offering comprises:
• 68 Khyber Pass Rd: an underdeveloped 1811 sqm site with a variety of low-rise buildings.
• 70 Khyber Pass Rd: The 1250 sqm St David’s Presbyterian Church on a 2160 sqm site, built in 1927 with a Heritage A historical protection classification.
• 3 Madeira Lane: an undeveloped 432sqm site with three street frontages currently leased out car parking.
The Presbyterian Church Property Trustees owns all three adjoining properties, located on separate titles, and has appointed Bayleys Real Estate sole agents to sell the portfolio by tender, closing at 4.00pm, Thursday on June 3, unless sold prior.
Senior brokers Sunil Bhana, Cameron Melhuish and Mike Houlker are marketing the offering, with tenders able to be made for one, two or all three of the properties. “St David’s church has the highest possible heritage classification which requires its breathtaking character features to be retained,” said Bhana.
“There is an amazing opportunity here to secure this iconic building’s long-term future by improving its seismic rating and restoring it to its former glory. It would suit a variety of potential uses including continued community use.”
Made of Oamaru stone and dark red Kamo pressed brick and featuring stunning leadlight windows which have significant cultural and heritage value, St David’s was designed by architect Daniel Patterson as a memorial to members of the congregation who lost their lives in WWI.
Northern Presbytery executive officer Dr Rod Watts said, “Part of the building is also classified as earthquake-prone, and the presbytery simply does not have the substantial funds required to strengthen it to meet council requirements.
“We’re respectful of the history of St David’s in the area and its legacy and encourage community groups to engage in the tender process either as prospective purchasers or tenants.”
Bhana said the two other underutilised sites have significant development potential given their CBD fringe location, their Auckland Unitary Plan Business-Mixed Use zoning, and their proximity to the Mt Eden train station on the Auckland City Rail Link.
The property at 68 Khyber Pass Rd accommodates just over a 1000 sqm of buildings located towards the rear of the site with access from both Khyber Pass and Madeira Lane. The 3 Madeira Lane site is also generating rental income from a car parking operator. It has frontage to and access from Madeira Place and Burton St. a.