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.

Now available to new owners with vacant possession, the site is being mooted for future uses including as 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, Takapuna, Auckland, are being offered for sale on behalf of Auckland Council through Michael Nees and Ranjan Unka of Bayleys Commercial North Shore.

The site will be sold by way of deadline private treaty closing on Thursday 23 November, unless it is sold earlier.

The property comprises buildings with an internal floor area of some 537 square metres plus 46 square metres of decking, on approximately 486 square metres 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 future owners and occupiers would benefit greatly from the property’s location in the heart of Takapuna, close to shops, bars and restaurants and within minutes of Takapuna Beach.

“Takapuna, the North Shore’s premier commercial centre, is currently experiencing a remarkable transformation, drawing strong attention from various commercial tenants seeking top-notch spaces. Numerous successful developments have already set record rental rates, underscoring the high demand in the area.

“The suburb’s future vision is based around increased density with associated high-quality urban design, civic amenities and good access to community facilities, parks and public transport.

“This will secure Takapuna’s future status as a highly attractive and regionally significant location in which to invest and do business,” Unka said.

Click here for more information on the listing.