NHNZ managing director Michael Stedman said the company had outgrown the former Dunedin Television Studios site in Dowling St, where it had been based since 1977. The company needed "something larger, purpose-built for our needs".
"This is a major milestone in NHNZ's history. Our new base [in Melville St] will provide New Zealand with a premier television production hub featuring the best equipment available, housed in a state-of-the-art facility designed with input from some of the industry's most experienced professionals."
A multimillion-dollar fit-out would begin in the next few months, with offices, 12 editing suites, three sound suites, a graphics suite, a new media unit and a studio planned.
NHNZ was working with Dunedin-based property developer Tony Offen to refurbish the former convention centre.
While details of the sale have not been released, the 3000sq m property has a capital value of $1,250,000.
"It will be a great addition to this end of town," Mr Offen said.
Dunedin-based Octa Associates Ltd has been awarded the project management contract, and Baker Garden Architects, also of Dunedin, appointed lead architect for the project, which will include "green" building features.
The redeveloped site is expected to be operational by the middle of 2010, and a decision on the future on the Dowling St site, the former Garrison Hall, is likely to made at a similar time.
Mr Stedman confirmed the company, which also has offices in Beijing and Washington, and owns a production company in Singapore, had been approached by other councils to relocate from Dunedin in recent years, but "there is no advantage being anywhere else".
Strong ties with the University of Otago, the lifestyle, and cheaper overheads were all reasons to remain in Dunedin.
The company employs 100 people at its Dunedin headquarters and in its Beijing, Washington and Singapore branches.
The company was also looking at opportunities in Australia, South America and South Africa.
This year, it is producing 50 documentaries, or about 60 hours of television.
Recent shows include Megastructures, Dark Days in Monkey City, Orangutan Island, Shark Nicole/ Great White Odyssey, I Survived, and Into the Frozen Abyss / Expedition Antarctica.
NHNZ
• National History Unit (NHU) founded in 1977.
• In 1997, Twentieth Century Fox buys an 80% share in the company, increasing the share to full ownership in 1999.
• In 1999, wins Emmy for Twisted Tales: The Bat.
• In 2000, wins another Emmy for The Crystal Ocean.
• In 2002, opens offices in Washington DC and Beijing.
• In 2008 announces a joint venture with Singapore-based production company Beach House pictures.
