The 1206sq m property for sale at 11 Waipareira Ave, Henderson. Photo / Supplied
The 1206sq m property for sale at 11 Waipareira Ave, Henderson. Photo / Supplied
An Auckland industrial property housing a gym established by one of the stars of the popular UK television series Gladiators is now on the market.
Dubbed 'The Wolf of Waipareira' by the marketing agents, the 1206sq m property at 11 Waipareira Ave, Henderson, comprises a generic and functional warehouse tenanted by Wolf's Gym.
The business was established by Michael van Wijk, who appeared as the 'baddie' character Wolf during the original run of Gladiators.
A staple of UK television for eight years during the 1990s, the series involved contestants going up against highly trained characters in a series of physical challenges and obstacle courses.
Wolf was the character who people loved to hate – and the name stuck when van Wijk established his Henderson gym after moving to New Zealand with his family in 2005.
The freehold land and buildings at 11 Waipareira Ave are now being marketed for sale by Colliers International Industrial brokers Jack Tuson, Matt Prentice and Dhiru Patel.
Offers by way of deadline private treaty close at 4pm on August 21, unless the property is sold earlier.
Prentice says it is a superb opportunity to acquire a well-located industrial property with a long-term business use and a new four-year lease.
"Investments of this quality rarely come to the market in West Auckland, making this is a must-see for investors looking for a foothold into this popular and sought-after location," he says.
"The property comprises a 602sq m functional and generic warehouse on a high-profile corner site, with ample on-site car parking and dual street access.
The property comprises a 602sq m warehouse, with on-site car parking and dual street access. Photo / Supplied
"This solid industrial investment has stood the test of time and would be a great addition to any astute investor's portfolio.
"The additional appeal of owning a slice of pop culture history really elevates this investment above your typical shed."
Long-standing tenant Wolf's Gym Henderson Limited has occupied the property since 2009.
The company is signed to a new four-year lease, earning $83,478 plus GST in annual rent.
Two rights of renewal of four years each extend the final lease expiry date to July 2030, with market rent reviews upon renewal.
Tuson says the freestanding industrial building provides medium stud warehousing along with two levels of office and amenities.
"The building has been modified for use as a gym, with the warehouse roller door area being fitted with full-height glazed pedestrian access. However, the original roller doors are still in place if required in the future.
"The main warehouse of 352.3sq m is in great condition and would suit a wide range of uses in future. The building also has 204.7sq m of office and amenity space over two levels.
"The 34.7sq m ground floor office and amenity area includes a reception, showroom, kitchen and male and female amenities.
"The 170sq m first floor area includes various consulting rooms and offices, a storage room, and male and female locker rooms and amenities, showers, basins and changing areas.
"The office and amenity areas on both floors are in excellent condition and are suitable to a range of business uses."
Patel says the property is well located on the corner of Waipareira Ave and Moselle Ave.
The building has been modified for use as a gym. Photo / Supplied
"The property forms part of the established industrial locality within Henderson often referred to as Central Park.
"This popular location has handy motorway access at the Lincoln Rd interchange and is surrounded by the established industrial and commercial catchments of West Auckland.
"The property for sale is nestled amongst a mix of modern developments catering for a range of light manufacturing and warehousing activities, with retail and commercial activities as well.
"Auckland CBD is about a 15-minute drive away in non-peak traffic via the Northwestern Motorway, which also provides access to the North Shore, Auckland Airport and South Auckland via the Western Ring Route."
Patel says the West Auckland industrial market as a whole has been characterised recently by a shortage of available stock across a broad range of property
"Vacancy rates in West Auckland are at historical low levels, as are other Auckland industrial precincts."
Van Wijk ran a string of gyms in the UK before and during his time on Gladiators.
He developed his fitness, strength and agility through training to highly competitive levels in sports including football, boxing, wrestling and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighting.
He started his modelling and acting career at the age of 26 and landed his role on Gladiators at the age of 39.
After moving to New Zealand with his family, he was unable to find the level of training equipment he was used to, so he decided to start up his own gym, drawing on his 20 years of prior experience.
"Wolf's Gym was one of the few gyms at that time created to cater for anyone, at any fitness level – whether male or female, beginner or serious," van Wijk says.
"All Wolf's Gyms are fully equipped with easy layouts and machines for every need, including cardio, combined with top advice, services and products.
"Clients don't need to be athletes to use Wolf's Gym – they just need to want results."
Prentice says that same ethos underlines the investment opportunity at 11 Waipareira Ave.
