From city offices to upmarket apartments

The redeveloped Hopetoun residences sold quickly off the plans.

Towering glass commercial blocks built in the 1980s are being redesigned as upmarket Auckland apartments.

Bayleys spokesman Trent Quinton said several blocks in Nelson, Anzac, Hobson and Symonds Sts had been developed. One in Vincent St, opposite the central police station, has been converted into 62 contemporary apartments.

The latest, in Hopetoun St, sold quickly off the plans for $520,000 for a one-bedroom and more than $1.2 million for the two- to three-bedroom apartments.

"The location on the city fringe isn't as desirable for commercial ventures anymore, but we have found people really want to live here - and the views are magical," Quinton said.

The last of the businesses left in what was known as the BayCorp building move out in March next year.

Warner Music occupied the seventh floor of the building for many years before moving to Ponsonby Rd eight years ago.

Marketing director Lisa Cotter said the building had served them well, with 360-degree views providing the perfect backdrop for the countless parties and events.

"We would listen to demos and host events where we would invite musicians," Cotter said.

"Shihad, The Feelers, Fur Patrol, Annie Crummer and Exponents were often up in the offices and internationals acts like Quincy Jones and Ice T visited as well."

Quinton said Hopetoun Residences developer Tawera Group would keep the main structure of the building but add balconies and new glass for a modern look.

"People love the design of the new building and we have sold at least 30 in the million-dollar-plus sales so it shows it is definitely what the market wanted."