By MONIQUE DEVEREUX
Auckland churchgoers may be able to get a double dose of their daily bread if a city parish's plan to build a boutique shopping complex under its church goes ahead.
The Auckland Methodist Central Parish has applied for resource consent to replace its 101-year-old wooden church in Mt Eden Rd with a two-storey building that will house worshippers above and three shops below. The Rev Sylvia 'Akau'ola-Tongotongo says the idea for a church with a commercial base was not necessarily divine inspiration, but stemmed from the simple wish for "a church with a difference."
The new building has been designed by architect Eric Laurenson, who attended the church throughout his childhood.
"The old idea of a Gothic-type building is not what people are looking for these days," he said.
There may not be any money lenders under this new temple, or any "anti-social" shops.
Mrs 'Akau'ola-Tongotongo said the church would lease the three shops for "appropriate purposes."
No specific businesses were lined up yet, she said, but the church hoped to have interest from bakeries and cafes - "the sort of thing that would be typical in the Mt Eden village."
Mr Laurenson said the new building was designed to fit in with the rest of the village - less church, more community building.
The church will seat only half the number that fit into its historic predecessor, but the seats will be more comfortable than the traditional wooden pews.
Initially, the old church hall will not be removed. Parking spaces will be built between the two buildings.
The church will sell the church.
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