A unique slice of Christchurch’s architectural history is being offered to the market, with the Duncan’s Buildings at 143-155 High Street presenting investors with a chance to acquire a heritage-fronted, fully modern commercial holding in the heart of the rejuvenated Christchurch CBD.
Three individually titled buildings can be bought separately or as a single freehold portfolio and are being marketed by Colliers Christchurch Investment Sales Brokers Mark Macauley and Marius Ogg.
This purchasing flexibility is rarely seen in the tightly held inner city and gives investors an entry point into commercial property with a single title, while larger owners can purchase all three buildings.
Originally constructed in 1905, the Duncan’s Buildings retain their full original exposed brickwork facades.
Start your property search
After the Canterbury earthquakes, the owners chose to preserve those historic Edwardian frontages while rebuilding new properties behind them – delivering character streetscape appeal with contemporary performance and functionality.
“These buildings are very much a crown jewel along the eastern end of the Innovation Precinct, close to One NZ Stadium,” Ogg says.
“There are very few opportunities to secure assets like these properties in the High Street area. They are part of a heritage precinct with a heritage feel, but with all the modern benefits.”
In the 1900s there were 16 shops in the terrace row with dwellings or offices above.
The buildings offer a genuine mixed-use footprint.
Retail and hospitality tenancies are at ground level and office accommodation is above, anchored by MDS Law on the first floor.
There are a total of seven ground level retail tenancies and four first floor office tenancies, providing a spread of risk.
The location is just as compelling as the buildings themselves – a block from the stadium and interfaced directly with the thriving Little High laneway precinct, putting owners right in the middle of the marked change in the city’s buzz.
“There’s a strength in this locality right now, particularly on the back of the stadium opening. There’s been a real shift in interest to this part of the CBD,” Macauley says.
“It’s a great place to have your office,” he adds, fittingly, as Colliers is based next door.
The stadium is already outperforming forecasts for its economic impact. Figures from the venue operator state its total estimated economic injection in its first 60 days was around $21 million.
The city’s overall economic momentum is backed by data. ChristchurchNZ’s July Monthly Insights Brief points to a construction pipeline running slightly ahead of the national growth rate, with building consent activity up strongly year-on-year.
Canterbury has entered this period of global uncertainty from a position of relative strength, helped by resilient consumer spending, a labour market outperforming most of the country, and business confidence back in positive territory.
For investors, that combination of historic character, CBD-fringe momentum, and flexible entry points makes the Duncan’s Buildings a rare proposition at both the affordable and portfolio growth ends of the market.
The properties at 143-155 High Street are being sold by deadline private treaty closing at 4pm on Thursday 20 August, unless sold prior.
- Supplied by Colliers
