Whanganui developer Dave Moore turns part of building project into one-stop Lego shop

Dave Moore says there is no money in Brick HQ, "but lots of smiles". Photo / Mike Tweed

A lull in Dave Moore’s latest restoration project has allowed him to dive head first into half a tonne of Lego.

Moore, a Whanganui developer and builder, is converting a run-down CBD heritage building into high-end apartments, but soaring interest rates and funding shortfalls have slowed progress to a crawl.

The front of the building has now been transformed into Brick HQ – a one-stop Lego shop for children.

Moore said he started building a Lego replica of the finished apartment building early in the project, intending it to be part of a promotional area.

Moore won five online auctions and ended up with hundreds of kilograms of Lego. Photo / Mike Tweed

“I kept needing new bits for it and was missing out on auctions on Trade Me,” he said.

“Eventually, I ticked five bulk auctions, ended up winning them all and suddenly had hundreds of kilos.

“That’s when the idea started – a Lego-themed venue where kids could come and play all day.”

If children like what they have made, they can buy it and take it home.

Lego can also be bought in bulk – “like tomatoes or apples” – and Moore has built some sets ready for sale.

“I still can’t tell my power miners from my ninjas, so two friends of my son who are absolute Lego nuts have been helping out,” he said.

There was no money in Brick H.Q., but it brought “lots of smiles”.

“Little kids will come through the doors and almost float with excitement when they have a look around.

“They really feed off each other and it’s amazing what they make.”

Dave Moore bought the building on the corner of St Hill St and Taupo Quay in 2018. Photo / Mike Tweed

Moore said he did not supply Wi-Fi to visitors, in an attempt to keep screen time to a minimum.

“You notice it straight away – when the parents are involved, the kids have a high level of energy and participation,” he said.

“As soon as phones start getting checked, that energy level just drops.”

Brick HQ had regulars, with some knowing exactly what they wanted to build each week, he said.

“They’ve already designed it on an app – you draw what you want to make and it ‘Legos’ it for you and gives you a list of what you need.”

The new venture also provided a break from his day job of “building, building, building”.

Moore’s present project – the former Metropolitan Hotel on the corner of St Hill St and Taupō Quay – was built in 1896 by hotelier John Brennan.

Moore and his wife, Marina, bought it in 2018, along with Sarjeant House in Bell St.

Brick HQ was born from Moore's attempt to build a Lego replica of his apartment project. Photo / Mike Tweed

Moore said he would continue chipping away and there were still several options, including finding an equity partner and completing the apartments to sell or rent.

During hearings for Whanganui District Council’s 10-year (long-term) plan this year, he pitched the idea of converting his building and neighbouring properties into a hotel and underground carpark.

For the moment, Moore still has time to work on Brick HQ.

He said his now-teenage son had been obsessed with Lego, but the interest waned as he got older.

“It’s funny how you can be left with the vestiges of their youth – without the youth.

“If I had to pay rent, this definitely wouldn’t work. Luckily, the landlord is quite happy to have some kids bouncing around with smiling faces.

“This place can really lift your spirits.”

Brick HQ is open from 10am to 3pm on Saturday during term time and at the same time from Monday to Saturday during school holidays.

Mike Tweed is a multimedia journalist at the Whanganui Chronicle. Since starting in March 2020, he has dabbled in everything from sport to music. At present his focus is local government, primarily the Whanganui District Council.