One of Auckland's most recognisable historic buildings has been put up for sale for the second time in 18 months.
The Ponsonby Post Office building at Three Lamps on the corner of Ponsonby Rd and College Hill was sold in May last year to an expatriate New Zealand investor living in the United States.
However since then the Belgian Beer Cafe, which had occupied the building's ground floor for around 10 years has ended its lease, leaving the ground floor vacant.
Rather than have to try and re-lease the downstairs part of the two level building from afar, the current owner has decided to sell.
Henry Thompson of Ray White Commercial Auckland who is handling the sale, said there had been significant interest from potential buyers in the hospitality business who were looking to retain the ground floor as a restaurant or something similar.
The upper level is leased to a medical practice.
However the building's flagship status was appealing to a wide variety of potential owner-occupiers, including professional firms and upmarket retailers who were looking for trophy premises, he said.
There had even been interest from buyers interested in converting the downstairs space to residential use.
The ornately decorated building with its high stud interior has 538 square metres of floor space over two levels plus a 77 square metre outdoor courtyard.
The building has been strengthened to 100% of new building seismic standards.
Originally constructed in 1912 the Category A scheduled building has a special character zoning which allows for a variety of activities including being used as a dwelling, for visitor accommodation or as a retail, office or food and beverage premises.
Auckland Council has responsibility for the weekly winding of the clock in its landmark tower.
The property has a 2011 rating valuation of $3.8 million and according to QV.co.nz was last sold for $4.86 million in May last year.
Tenders for the property close on November 27.
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