Refit for historic boatshed

America's Cup sailor Brad Butterworth is refitting his heritage boatshed on Auckland's waterfront.

The Alinghi skipper co-owns one of 17 heritage-protected sheds on the Hobson Bay inlet, with boatbuilder Tim Gurr.

The restoration work already under way includes replacing doors, strengthening concrete and timber piles and lining walls.

The sheds along Orakei's Ngapipi Rd mostly date to the 1930s, though shed 4, owned by Butterworth and Gurr, is thought to have been built around 1941.

Under heritage protection rules the structures must be restored and maintained as close to the original condition as possible. Consent for the work has been granted by Auckland Regional Council.

Another of the historic sheds generated strong interest when offered for sale last month.