Strategic rezoned Greenlane site

An elevated view of 576-580 Great South Road & 5-7 Main Highway dominated by Rod Milner Motors car yard.

A large strategic Auckland Greenlane property which has been occupied by Rod Milner Motors for the past 34 years is for sale with a recent rezoning allowing potential redevelopment up to five storeys in height.

"The new Business Mixed Use zoning under the Auckland Unitary Plan could also suit owner-occupiers of a wide range of businesses in a very convenient location," says Wayne Muir of Barfoot & Thompson Commercial who, with colleague Mark Molloy, is marketing 576-580 Great South Road & 5-7 Main Highway for sale by tender closing at 4pm on Thursday, October 6, unless it sells earlier by negotiation.

The freehold commercial property encompasses 4683sq m of land over five titles and has two road frontages. As a car sales yard it is partly built over with a range of original buildings mainly used in conjunction with the business.

"Rod Milner was one of the first Japanese car importers and now specialises in disability vehicles with his company being the largest New Zealand supplier. Rod recognises redevelopment in the location is inevitable and is intending to go south to set up a large purpose-designed vehicle disability centre," Muir says.

The property is close to a well-known five point roading hub in Greenlane about 6km east of Auckland's CBD and known historically known as 'The Harp of Erin' where Campbell Rd, Wairakei St, Woodbine Ave, Main Highway and Great South Rd all arrive at an extended intersection.

"It is immediately east of the junction of Great South Rd and Main Highway with frontages to both roads and sits adjacent to the well-known corner Triangle Service Station," Muir says.

Wayne Muir, of Barfoot & Thompson Commercial.

Molloy says the site is remarkable in terms of location and is effectively at the centre of the Auckland isthmus near Cornwall Park. "There are 20 schools within 3km, including the University of Auckland, and a full range of supermarkets and shopping centres located in Ellerslie, Newmarket, Remuera, Royal Oak and Greenlane - all under 1km of the site.

"It is very central with quick access to the Auckland CBD through Newmarket, and also to One Tree Hill, Penrose and Mt Wellington.

"Adjoining sites with the same new zoning under the Unitary Plan allow Residential development as of right," Molloy says. "This sale presents a major redevelopment opportunity an easy 800m walk to the Ellerslie railway station, on regular bus routes and close to several motorway entry and exit ramps."

Muir says the site has frontages to Great South Rd of 83m and 63m to Main Highway along with right of way access from Main Highway.

The three Great South Rd freehold titles comprise sites of 2006sq m, 731sq m and 747sq m. The two Main Highway sites are 799sq m and 400sq m.

The main building on the site is an original commercial structure used by the owner's business and by an independent business on a casual occupancy basis.

Construction is typical of the 1970s' era and consists of reinforced concrete blockwork with an iron roof.

Other buildings including an original house are used as sales and administration offices. A second original house is tenanted.

"The existing tenancies are month to month and property is being offered on the basis of vacant possession. It is unlikely the existing buildings would form any part of a redevelopment," Muir says.

"Relocation and any redevelopment are likely to involve time and processing factors. Accordingly, the owner is prepared to consider any lease or tenancy terms that a tenderer may prefer in relation to an interim occupation of the site by the business of Rod Milner Motors Ltd.

"While the Unitary Plan proposes a maximum height of 18m including roof forms, there are possibilities under the zoning for additional height. However that would depend on design and planning matters specific to the site and would require council engagement and professional advice."