A prominent Port Chalmers heritage building that has been empty for more than a decade is the latest to cause concern among residents.
The R. A. Lawson-designed former BNZ building at 1 George St, once artist Ralph Hotere’s studio, is a Heritage New Zealand category two historic place.
At a West Harbour Community Board meeting recently, heritage policy planner Dan Windwood told members Port Chalmers’ George St was a focus in terms of heritage, and over the years property owners had accessed the city’s heritage fund for restoration and re-use projects.
"The city centre isn’t the be-all and end-all of Dunedin’s heritage. There’s a great deal out here too."
Board member Ryan Jones asked Mr Windwood about the former BNZ building, and whether he had spoken to the owners.
Mr Windwood said the owners were "positive about the building".
"At the same time there hasn’t been any action there since I’ve been here, and certainly it is a building which is on my radar; it’s in a visible location.
"I’d be happy to work with anyone who came forward there."
There were funds available to help.
He said after the meeting he had discussed the building with the owners, but there was "nothing really more I can say than what’s out there on the record".
Mr Jones said the building had been empty for at least a decade, and there was "growing community interest" in the state of the township’s prominent buildings.
"It’s definitely catching on as a bit of an issue."
There was plenty of potential for the building.
Locals had suggested it would be a good place for an information site for the many tourists who visited. There could be a shop on the ground floor or accommodation upstairs.
Having the building empty was "a shame" for the main street of Port Chalmers.
The streetscape there was "beautiful", and the community board had prioritised an upgrade in the Dunedin City Council’s long-term plan.
If that went ahead "and you still have that building sitting there" it would be a missed opportunity.
The building is listed in the Dunedin City Council rates database as belonging to Rhona Daysh and Murray Robertson.
Ms Daysh did not respond to requests for comment.
Mr Jones said he had not been in touch with the owners, but community board chairman Steve Walker had.
Mr Walker said he had spoken to the owners "generically" about their plans, and had been told they did have plans to do work on the building.
"As board chairman I’m keen to see old buildings in Port Chalmers maintained to a standard that reflects the heritage values of the town."
The building was noted in the Otago Daily Times on July 31, 1880, as "a very handsome one".
It was designed by prominent architect R. A. Lawson, who also designed First Church.
The banking office itself was described as "a room of very handsome proportions.
"The whole of the details in connection with the building are of the most perfect character . . ."
