Takapuna’s heritage library ready for new chapter
Sale of the former Takapuna Library is being tagged as one of the suburb’s most sought-after refurbishment opportunities in recent memory.
Constructed in 1956 on land donated by pioneering butchery R & W Hellaby, and later expanded, the building at 2 The Strand was Takapuna’s first purpose-built public library. It served that purpose until the library moved to larger premises across the road in 1989.
The premises have since been used by the former North Shore City Council, the amalgamated Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and as a temporary library while the new library was renovated in 2014.
With character features including a striking central staircase, the building has a category B heritage
listing under Auckland’s Unitary Plan, recognising its historical, social, physical and aesthetic values.
Available to new owners with vacant possession, the site is mooted for future uses including a boutique office complex or hospitality
hub in the heart of one of Auckland’s most important Metropolitan Centres.
The freehold land and buildings at 2 The Strand are for sale on behalf of the council through Michael Nees and Ranjan Unka of Bayleys Commercial North Shore.
It will be sold by deadline private treaty closing on Thursday November 23, unless sold prior.
The property comprises buildings with an internal floor area of 537sq m plus 46sq m of decking on approximately 486sq m of freehold land.
“With its library days now a memory, this distinctive heritage building spanning two levels with excellent frontage represents a blank canvas,” said Nees.
“The versatile layout – complemented by excellent stud height, a character central staircase and first-floor decking with coastal views – lends itself to a variety of occupation options.
“This makes these premises ripe for new owners to carry out a standout refurbishment – an opportunity which is sure to attract significant interest,” Nees said.
Metropolitan Centre zoning under the unitary plan allows for a range of retail, hospitality, office and accommodation uses.
“Benefiting from its seaward position and aspect, the former library occupies a coveted freehold site in a pocket of Takapuna that epitomises the term ‘tightly held’. Commercial property sales in the vicinity are very rare.
“The opportunity to renovate and craft a new chapter for a character building here is even rarer. Vacant possession offers a new owner immediate access to get their vision underway,” said Nees.
Unka said the North Shore’s premier commercial centre is experiencing a remarkable transformation, drawing strong attention from various commercial tenants seeking top-notch spaces.