Heritage on the city’s commercial edge

Two distinctive buildings within one of Auckland’s most tightly‑held heritage precincts, positioned at the intersection of the University of Auckland and the city’s commercial and legal centre, are now for sale, giving astute buyers access to character assets in a proven location. Occupiers also have the opportunity to lease one of the buildings, which is currently vacant and ready for immediate occupation.

The deconsecrated former Jewish synagogue at 19A Princes Street is now available for sale and lease, in tandem with the adjoining 1 Bowen Avenue, which is offered for sale with secure holding income.

Constructed in 1885 as Auckland’s principal synagogue, the Princes Street property is regarded by Heritage New Zealand as the best‑preserved 19th‑century synagogue in the country and a rare survivor from the colonial period.

Extensively upgraded in the 1980s, the building later operated as a National Bank branch before a long tenure with the University of Auckland, most recently housing its Alumni Relations department.

The property offers approximately 614sqm of vacant, character office space across multiple levels, supported by upgraded services and two on‑site car parks.

The vaulted ceilings, stained‑glass windows, heritage detailing and natural light create a unique workspace not often seen in CBD offices. Valuation guidance indicates net rental potential of approximately $250,000 plus GST per annum, with a layout that would work well for a wide range of professional, creative or academic occupiers.

The adjoining property at 1 Bowen Avenue adds further depth to the investment offering. Originally built in 1914 as a school annexe for the synagogue, the 249sqm building was later redesigned in a modernist style and has served various roles including theatre, architectural studio, hair salon, and creative workspace.

It is currently leased to Pac Studio Limited, providing $85,000 plus GST per annum in holding income from November 2025 on a 3‑year and 7‑month term, with three further 4‑year rights of renewal.

Together, the properties sit on 1,126sqm of leasehold land within one of Auckland’s most prestigious heritage streetscapes. The location is within easy walking distance to the soon‑to‑open Te Waihorotiu station in Wellesley Street, which is tipped to be the busiest station when the City Rail Link opens, major bus routes, Britomart, the Ferry Terminal and State Highway 1 via the nearby Grafton on‑ramp.

The sale and leasing by negotiation process is being managed by Steve Rendall and Hayley Preston of Bayleys, with the two buildings to be sold together.

Rendall says the Princes Street property has long been recognised for its architectural quality and individual identity.

“It’s a building with real presence, with the interior offering warmth, volume and character. The location speaks for itself, sitting beside Albert Park and the University, and within walking distance of the High Court, Queen Street and leading professional service firms.

“The combination of scale and heritage appeal makes it an outstanding option for a specialist practice, a family office wanting a truly unique address, or organisations that work in close collaboration with the University, its 40,000 students, and the wider academic community

“Meanwhile, the Bowen Street building has consistently shown its versatility across a broad mix of business uses. With a secure tenant covenant in place, it offers a buyer genuine confidence around future occupancy.”

Princes Street is home to one of Auckland’s most intact collections of Victorian residences, including the historic merchant houses Sonoma, Ellesmere, and Hamurana. These buildings frame Albert Park and sit within a protected Auckland Council Heritage Area, giving the precinct a character and depth not often found in the CBD.