An ‘as is, where is’ landmark building in Christchurch’s upmarket seaside suburb of Sumner is set to change hands for the second time this year.
Most recently known as the Ali Barbers building, 23 Marriner Street is being marketed by investment sales specialist Courtney Doig of Colliers Christchurch and is earmarked for auction on 29 September.
Doig says the vendor of the high-profile corner site bought the property in April but has now had a change of direction.
“The owner is committed to a project in Auckland which means this prime Sumner site is now available for genuine sale,” Doig says.
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“This is a great opportunity for another purchaser to add value to the revitalisation of Sumner Village.
“Properties in this area are traditionally extremely tightly held but there is more activity at the moment, heralding an exciting new era.”
The distinctive pink building is believed to be more than 100 years old. It opened on the corner of what were then Morton and Grafton streets, today known as Burgess and Marriner streets.
“It was a hotel for some years and briefly became an orphanage in 1917. It was later subdivided into small flats known as Sunleigh Flats and dubbed ‘Fawlty Towers’ by locals. Before the earthquakes, its tenants included Ali Barbers Hair Stylists.
“The building offers an astute value-add buyer ample scope to refurbish or demolish and start afresh in this prime location. It’s right in the heart of Sumner Village, surrounded by an eclectic mix of amenities, including cafes, the cinema, pharmacy, supermarket, and library.”
The flexible Commercial Core zoning allows for a variety of end uses, including retail, commercial and residential options, subject to Christchurch City Council approval.
The 490sq m building, divided into nine ground and first floor flats, sits on a 761sq m freehold site. It enjoys a 22m frontage onto Marriner Street and 32m of frontage onto Burgess Street.
Just 150m away from the building, Sumner Beach is a mecca for locals and weekend visitors. The village has been revitalised with attractive new paving and planting, and the cinema and adjacent cafe are set for a major overhaul under new ownership.
The affluent area is home to some of the most expensive residential real estate in Christchurch.
- Article supplied by Colliers
