Auckland's Galatos nightclub up for sale

Auckland's well-known live music venue Galatos, housed in an historic Newton building, is up for sale. Photo / APNZ

An historic Auckland music venue that hosted a pre-superstardom Coldplay is up for sale.

Galatos, in the inner-city suburb of Newton, has hosted a raft of top local acts and heavy-hitting international performers since it was launched as a music venue in 1999.

The building near Karangahape Rd was built early last century and was originally the lodge of the United Ancient Order of Druid before becoming the All Golds Cosmopolitan Club.

Its use as a venue goes well back, and its 10 centimetre thick native timber parquet floor was reputed to the fastest among the many Auckland ballroom dancing clubs, said Lisa Nielson of realtor Bayleys.

It was relaunched as Galatos 12 years ago and bought by current owners, arts organisation MIC Toi Rerehiko, in 2005.

The venue has been used for film screenings, plays, conferences, corporate functions and film shoots, but is best known for performances by DJs and bands, including the Foo Fighters, Coldplay and Stereophonics.

The new owner had the opportunity to buy the land, building and the venue and bar identity, Ms Nielson said.

"This is a huge opportunity for someone else to rebrand the current business. The present owner is willing to help with any transition," she said.

The freehold, standalone 578 square metre building has two levels and a mezzanine floor, and is split into three separate but linked areas with their own entrances.

When used as one venue it can accommodate a crowd of 520. The main floor with bar and VIP side-room fits 320 people, while the basement can accommodate 100 and the mezzanine 80.

The property also has a 24-hour liquor licence.