Blockhouse Bay hall on the block for charity

St John and other charities are likely to benefit from the sale of a senior citizens hall in Blockhouse Bay.

The property, at 522 Blockhouse Bay Rd, on the corner with Exminster St, has been owned and occupied by the suburb’s senior citizens’ association for over 50 years. But dwindling use of the building has prompted the sale.

The association’s vice-president Ray Warren says its constitution requires the proceeds of the sale to be spent in and around the area for the benefit of senior citizens.

“The intention is to support the good work that St John and other charities do in the community, particularly in coming to the aid of elderly people.

“One option under consideration is funding the purchase of an additional ambulance for the elderly to be based at St John’s nearby New Lynn station.

“The association would then decide what to do with any remaining proceeds from the sale.”

Warren says the building was built for the association in the mid-1960s by Keith Hay Homes from funds donated locally.

“In those days Blockhouse Bay was somewhat isolated from other parts of Auckland, with bus services few and far between, and it was felt important to have a community hall where older people, particularly those living on their own, could gather for companionship.

“In its heyday, the hall was very well patronised, with standing room only at major events such as the annual Christmas party.”

Bayleys Real Estate has been appointed to market the property which is up for tender, closing at 4pm Tuesday, December 3.

It comprises a 186sq m single-level building consisting of an open plan hall plus kitchen, office and amenities, with underfloor storage accessed from the rear.

]The hall is on a 336sq m site zoned Business Local Centre with five car parks at the rear of the building.

Bayleys senior broker Mike Adams says there has been interest in the building from other community organisations, with some inquiry also from local businesses looking at converting it to commercial premises because of its well-located position in the town centre