A highly visible property in the historic Central Otago town of Clyde is being offered to the market for sale presenting buyers with the opportunity to acquire a unique asset as a renovation project, or to utilise the prime corner site for redevelopment.
60 Sunderland Street, Clyde is currently home to the St Mungo's Church, which was originally built in 1894 by the Presbyterian parish. However, it is no longer fit for purpose so the decision has been made to offer the property up for sale.
The church sits on a 1,619sq m corner site that is held in two separate freehold titles zoned Low Density Residential within the Heritage Precinct of the Central Otago Operative District Plan.
With a convenience store across the road and local hospitality and retail options only a short walk away, the property is well served by amenities.
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Nestled in the South Island’s growing Central Otago region, Clyde is steeped in history with vineyards and orchards in the surrounding area.
Known as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for hiking, biking, and water activities, the town’s well-preserved historic sites and museums provide insight into the Central Otago Gold Rush era. Queenstown is only an hour and 15 minutes away.
Colliers Brokers Mark Simpson and Steve McIsaac have been exclusively appointed to market the property for sale via deadline private treaty closing at 4pm on Tuesday 11 March, unless sold prior.
As a key location during the gold rushes of the 1800s, Clyde has retained many historic buildings that add to the townscape elements, including churches, hotels, and cottages.
Growing interest in Central Otago has benefitted Clyde and data from realestate.co.nz notes the median residential sale price for the area has increased from $134,000 in 2015 to $826,000 at the end of 2024.
Simpson, Director at Colliers Queenstown, says while there is the opportunity to restore the historic church to improve its long-term use, the more likely move is to redevelop the sizeable landholding.
“This strategically located property has significant potential to be repositioned with a residential development that’s sympathetic to the historic nature of the town to cater to the growing demand for housing in Clyde,” Simpson says.
“Clyde has also become attractive as a second home location, which has encouraged owners to undertake the subdivision of larger residential properties, creating more density in the village.”
Local Presbyterian Church minister Reverend Andrew Howley says there’s a lot of history surrounding St Mungo’s.
“It’s been home to our members for over a century, so the decision to sell hasn’t been without their input. With declining church attendance and the cost of keeping buildings like this compliant under today’s standards, it is time to pass the journey onto another owner,” he says.
“We are also fortunate to have our larger facility nearby in Alexandra, so this has made the decision more palatable.”
Clyde is home to Dunstan Hospital and the retirement village Aurum on Clutha Lifestyle Village, while there is a growing range of retailers.
Popular tourist attractions include the Otago Central Rail Trail that starts in Clyde and has up to 14,000 riders annually.
Developed in 2021, the new Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail that connects Cromwell and Clyde saw 80,000 cyclists ride the trail in its first year. This track has added to the economic development of Clyde and the surrounding area following many years of gold mining, sheep farming, horticulture, hydroelectricity, and wine making.
Data from Infometrics highlights that in the Central Otago District tourists spent a total of $283.1 million in 2024 and spending was up by 0.4 per cent compared with the previous year. The region remains highly popular with New Zealanders as 81.6 per cent of tourists in the area were domestic.
McIsaac, Commercial and Industrial Broker at Colliers Cromwell, says this is a prime landholding in the heart of the historical Clyde precinct that presents an array of opportunities.
“Clyde is a rapidly emerging area in Central Otago that continues to grow in popularity,” McIsaac says.
“There is extensive potential in the town and being able to acquire a large section like this one that could be subdivided or developed in a range of ways will be highly appealing to buyers.”
- Supplied by Colliers
