"This a high-profile, freehold standalone building with a sought-after waterfront position on busy Tamaki Drive," says Melhuish.
"There are possibilities here for more entrepreneurial investors looking for add-value opportunities given the existing leases have no automatic rights of renewal."
The ground floor housed a Harcourts real estate agency before it relocated justaround the corner on St Heliers Bay Rd. The Harcourts' head lease rental obligation continues until early 2022, although the space is now subleased to a Karsten clearance store, a specialist in quality Mexican cotton products. The ground floor tenancy comprises about 140sq m of commercial accommodation, with a 40sq m courtyard behind.
"It is a high-profile space and lends itself to a range of uses, including retail, professional offices, or a food and beverage tenancy which could incorporate the rear courtyard space," says Melhuish.
"There would be an opportunity for an investor to add further value to the premises at the end of the current lease through refurbishment or modernisation.
"Alternatively, it could appeal to an owner-occupier looking to secure a prime waterfront position with substantial exposure to Tamaki Drive in St Heliers Bay village."
The upstairs, plus part of the ground floor, is leased to Dewar Dental Ltd, trading as St Heliers Dental Centre and is part of the multinational Bupa healthcare services group.
"This is a nicely presented premises consisting of a reception area plus various treatment rooms," says Wallace.
"The property's north facing aspect provides excellent natural light and the upper level has attractive water views over the beach to Rangitoto Island. Longer term, this tenancy also provides plenty of options which include negotiating a new extended lease with the long standing occupier, finding another tenant, owner-occupation or redevelopment.
"The top floor would suit a variety of commercial uses or, given its great outlook and location, has potential for residential conversion — something that is encouraged with the Town Centre zoning that applies to this location," says Wallace.
"The upstairs is smaller than downstairs and it could also be possible to expand its floor area to make fuller use of the site."
The building, which dates back to the 1940s, has a seismic assessment of close to 50 per cent of New Building Standard, says Chan.
He points out that, unlike some other older styled buildings in the village, it is not classified as earthquake prone.
"St Heliers is one of Auckland's oldest, and most vibrant, seaside commercial precincts.
"There's a good mix of national brands, such as banks and real estate agencies, as well as boutique retailers and local businesses, but rarely any significant vacancy."
