The upcoming sale of character city centre premises that for 20 years housed a top global architecture firm presents a myriad of possibilities for new owners.

Positioned within the seven-storey Met and Soho complex on Auckland’s High Street, the well-appointed offices have outstanding character features throughout and a prime outlook over Queen Street.

The premises have long been home to Buchan Group, an architecture, planning and design studio working across retail, commercial, mixed-use and residential property and hotels.

They are comprised of two adjoining freehold units which are now for sale individually or together with vacant possession.

Bayleys salesperson Phil Haydock said the sale presented buyers with options from approximately 220 square metres for the smaller unit, up to a combined total of some 525 square metres.

“Currently configured as a single office tenancy, these highly versatile premises could easily be separated back into two self-contained character tenancies.

“They will be of interest to owner-occupiers and add-value investors for ongoing use as office space, or for retail – or, subject to consent, potentially for a conversion to residential accommodation in what is a vibrant and fashionable inner-city precinct.

“Opportunities to secure character premises with this level of sheer versatility in such a prime CBD location are rare,” Haydock said.

Units 1C and 2Q, 55-57 High Street, Auckland Central, are being marketed for sale by Haydock and colleagues James Were and Jack Kiely of Bayleys Auckland Central.

The units will be sold individually or together by way of a tender closing on Tuesday 24 September, unless they are sold prior.

Were said Unit 1C spanned some 220 square metres across one level.

“This unit offers an open-plan office space with a highly visible reception entrance in Little High Street Arcade.

“It is linked via an internal stairwell to the approximately 305-square-metre Unit 2Q above. This is a higher-stud space with its own open-plan mezzanine office.

“Both properties feature modern bathroom facilities, a kitchenette and a prime outlook onto Queen Street. They sit within a highly attractive seven-level character building which is home to a mix of commercial and retail tenants, as well as residential apartments,” said Were.

Kiely said a supremely convenient city-centre position, close to amenities, parking and transport options, was one of the properties’ most attractive selling points.

“High Street itself is a character precinct, and a very sought-after location with fashion boutiques, design stores, cafes and restaurants.

“The property for sale is close to Shortland Street, which forms the heart of the legal and financial precinct of Auckland’s CBD. Around the corner is Queen Street, one of Auckland’s prime retail and office locations.

“Within easy walking distance is Commercial Bay and the Britomart precinct, including the Britomart Transport Centre, as well as Auckland Ferry Terminal and the future Aotea City Rail Link station,” Kiely said.

These High Street properties sit within the Business – City Centre zone under Auckland’s unitary plan.

“This permits a wide range of activities with the aim of enabling an international centre for business and learning, innovation, entertainment, culture and urban living. The breadth of possibilities is evidenced by the vibrant mix of surrounding occupiers,” said Kiely.

Click here for more information on the listing.