Media Release
27.8.2013

Charitable trust seeks new premises for hostel-type operation

A charitable trust aimed at assisting young New Zealanders in furthering their education and career prospects is on the lookout for new premises on the fringes of CBD Auckland.

The registered charity has 75 years of history, but with a growing demand for its services, the organisation is now looking for bigger premises to move its operation. The charity is working with real estate agency Bayleys to source potential premises – either an existing commercial accommodation provider business or as a purpose-built building.

Bayleys Auckland salespeople Rob Cross and Ben Wallace said that for commercial reasons the organisation wished to remain anonymous at present, although it was very clear in the location it was seeking to be housed.

“The Christian-based charity was established more than 75 years ago, and in recent times has taken an active interest in developing the educational and trade apprenticeship teaching opportunities for young New Zealanders,” Mr Cross said.

“Inclusive of that is a tutoring and mentoring programme whish has seen many of the charity’s former teenage recipients go on to become pillars in their communities as well as corporate leaders.

“However, as the organisation’s breadth of services has grown, it has consequently outgrown its existing premises which can’t be expanded any further, and is therefore looking to move into a new location.”

Cross and Wallace said the specific ‘squaris’h search zone identified by their client spanned from the base of Queen Street, west to Kingsland, south to One Tree Hill, east to Orakei Basin, then looping back along the waterfront to the passenger wharves.

“While the location is quite defined, the building specification is much broader,” said Rob Cross.

“Potential sites include existing motel or hotel operations, industrial or commercial buildings which have zoning capability to be converted into accommodation blocks, a hostel type environment, or a large residential dwelling or block of flats which could be developed to encompass a commercial accommodation operation.”

Ben Wallace said the room configurations being sought would include a mixture of single occupancy and shared occupancy units. Ensuites were a possibility, although the client would also look at shared bathroom amenities. Foodservice operations and dining would be undertaken in a communal space, as would any leisure activities. Study rooms or library-style space would be an advantage to enable lodge residents to study during their stays.

“The tenant is looking to take up a long-term lease with the successful owner/developer, and has the funding network to support that. Our client has indicated that they would look at an initial lease term of 10 years, with further rights of renewal over a similar term,” Mr Wallace said.

“Obviously with that degree of tenant commitment, for an owner or developer, the incentive to invest in converting or expanding premises is substantial. The client is looking to move into any new premises as early as the beginning of next year.

“Bayleys is now actively targeting potential building and business owners in the client’s preferred location zone with the intention of presenting a short list of options by the end of September.”

ends

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