Overseas investor buys site of heritage convent
Heritage convent buildings that once housed New Zealand’s only female Anglican order have sold to a Singaporean investor for $1.7 million.
The complex, built for the Sisters of the Community of the Sacred Name in the late 19th century, is on St Asaph St in the central city.
The property was put up for sale earlier this year by local charity the Home and Family Society, which took it over in as-is condition from the Anglican sisters in 2018. The deal was brokered by Heritage New Zealand to save the buildings from demolition.
The society spent almost $3m repairing and restoring the quake-damaged buildings. The project was helped by a $950,000 city council heritage grant, $800,000 of lottery money, a Heritage NZ grant and other donations.
The society used the offices and meeting rooms as a base for its work with troubled families and children. After taking on more work, it is now seeking alternative premises able to house all its activities and staff.
The Good Habit cafe is a tenant in the property and remains in business on the site. There is also a chapel which has been used for weddings and other events.
NAI Harcourts agent Paul Middleditch said the sale was made on the same day the property went to auction.
The buyer, who has not yet been identified, is still deciding on his plans for the property, Middleditch said. He said the buyer was a Singaporean investor who is planning to move to New Zealand and already owns property in Christchurch.
The sale did not require Overseas Investment Office approval. The buildings have a category-one listing with Heritage NZ and are considered of national significance.
The timber convent was designed as Deaconess House by architects Benjamin and Cyril Mountfort.
It once housed a large community of sisters and Christchurch nursing pioneer Nurse Maude’s first dispensary and tuberculosis huts.