Future decided for old Warehouse building in Kaitāia

The former Warehouse building at 11 Matthews Avenue in Kaitāia will be demolished the council has decided during public exclusion at its 28 August meeting.

The long-term future of the Kaitāia site is still being worked through with future commercial proposals being considered and progressed. While these remain confidential for now, elected members were encouraged that a decision about the site’s future would have positive outcomes for the community.

Far North District Council acquired the property in 2020 and has continued to pursue a long term outcome for the property. In the meantime, the building has suffered significant damage due to break-ins and vandalism requiring assessments of damage and what would be required to make the building secure.

The council heard that costs would likely exceed $1 million to make the building suitable for a tenant without any certainty that a future user would not demolish the building anyway. It is estimated that demolishing the building would cost ratepayers less than $200,000.

Details of who will undertake the demolition and when are still being worked through by council staff. Much like the recent demolition of two Kaikohe buildings on the site of the new library and civic hub, it is anticipated that the contractor will recycle or repurpose materials from the building such as concrete and steel wherever possible. Staff will ensure that the popular Kaitāia market will continue to operate at its current location during work on the Warehouse site.

Murals and panels that currently decorate the outside of the building will be removed and safely stored. A decision on where and how these are displayed again are yet to be made. Updates on all aspects of the project will be published as soon as they are available.