A rare chance to own a piece of New Zealand’s heritage is on offer with the sale of the magnificent Erskine Chapel in Island Bay, Wellington.
Located at 22-24 Erica Pabst Way, the chapel and adjoining function spaces are being marketed by Rick Stace and Dharmendra Mistry of CBRE.
The property is for sale by deadline private treaty closing on Thursday 11th December at 4pm.
Meticulously restored and seismically remediated, the asset offers nationally significant prestige and the potential for a variety of future uses, said Stace.
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“Erskine Chapel is widely regarded as having the finest French Gothic-style interior in New Zealand and represents a true trophy holding. Erskine Chapel offers wow factor in every sense and is an extraordinary chance to own a stunning, truly unique asset.”
Originally known as the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, the building was designed by Wellington architect John Swan with the Sisters of the Sacré Coeur. The design was influenced by a chapel in Alsace-Lorraine, France, and features a soaring vaulted ceiling and extensive stained glass, timber and marble detailing.
The chapel’s acoustics are regarded as among the best in the Southern Hemisphere and have drawn renowned performers over the years, including multiple visits from the Vienna Boys’ Choir.
It is listed as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand and is recognised on the Wellington City Council Heritage List, underscoring its architectural, historical and cultural significance.
Erskine Chapel currently operates as a premier events venue, providing several grand spaces to hold weddings, concerts and gatherings.
Buyers may opt to continue the venue’s current use or consider alternative possibilities, including religious or residential use subject to zoning rules and council approvals, Mistry said.
“The established presence and reputation of Erskine Chapel as a venue supports an ongoing events operation catering to weddings, functions and concerts.
"Although now non-denominational, the Erskine Chapel could also be returned to its original religious use as a venue for church services, christenings and memorials.”
The combination of heritage gravitas, impeccable restoration, seismic remediation and future flexibility sets this offering apart, said Stace.
“It delivers immediate presence for a new owner while providing scope to shape the next chapter for this remarkable building.”
The chapel and adjoining two-level building provide a floor area of some 1,237sqm.
The main space is the 175sqm chapel; a soaring, vaulted space with rows of pew seating and a Carrara marble altar sculpted in Rome.
“The chapel is celebrated for its stained-glass windows, fine timber panelling and marble detailing, reflecting craftsmanship of exceptional quality. Its light-filled interior and Gothic character create an atmosphere that elevates every occasion,” Stace said.
Adjoining the chapel, the 207sqm Ground Floor Grand Ballroom is a spacious, light-filled room ideal for receptions, dinners and formal gatherings, supported by an adjacent commercial kitchen and service rooms for efficient event operations.
The 136sqm Nunnery, once the living quarters of the Sacré Coeur nuns, retains original features including room dividers and is well suited to corporate retreats, post-service gatherings or smaller celebrations. Access is via a lift or the grand staircase.
The scale of the 2,294sqm freehold landholding provides future flexibility within the Medium Density Residential zone in a highly appealing Island Bay location, said Mistry.
“The property is on the doorstep of the Island Bay Village, with cafés, shops, a supermarket, medical centre and community amenities close by.”
Positioned between Avon Street, Melbourne Road and Mace Street and surrounded by the Erskine residential enclave, the setting has a secluded and peaceful feel, whilst benefiting from proximity to Wellington CBD with high-frequency bus services providing convenient public transport links.
- Supplied by CBRE
