A Ponsonby landmark's future hangs in the balance, as Auckland Council officials negotiate with its church owners about the ex-orphanage which it has warned is a fire risk.
The stately old grey Carlile House on Richmond Rd, not far from the Ponsonby Rd intersection, has long stood abandoned and derelict, despite promises last decade from its owners to fix it. Now, the council is trying to resolve the issue with the United Church of Tonga which in 2007 said work would soon get under way.
"The former Auckland City Council had attempted to negotiate its purchase but was unsuccessful," a council spokesman said. "Auckland Council has been in discussion with the owners for some time to attempt to find a resolution. To assist in these discussions, conservation architects, engineers and quantity surveyors have been engaged to advise on the costs of restoration.
"A recent site visit highlighted a major concern about the amount of building materials, furniture and general waste including cardboard and paper, posing a considerable fire risk when combined with the ease with which the building can be illegally accessed. Work is being initiated to address this issue," he said.
James Prescott, chairman of the church's board, said initial estimates showed around $6 million could be needed for seismic strengthening, repairs and refurbishment but there were no funds for that scale of work.