Napier's historic Tobacco building reopens

The National Tobacco Company building in Ahuriri. Photo / Supplied

One of Napier's most recognisable buildings has reopened to the public - just in time for an influx of summer visitors.

Ahuriri's iconic National Tobacco Company building's foyer and boardroom, which closed last year for maintenance, is back in business.

During the summer public access will be by gold coin donation, collected by Art Deco-garbed staff based on site. They will also provide information about the building, show visitors the rose dome glass ceiling and wood-panelled boardroom, then guide guests through the 'secret back door' into The Urban Winery.

The Heritage 1 listed-building was built in 1933 and is privately owned by Big Save's McKimm family. It is also home to Tony Bish Wines and the Urban Winery.

Winemaker Tony Bish said the ferment and maturation barrel room would be visible through a large plate glass viewing window.

"An impressive oak cuve also sits adjacent to our funky cellar door."

Mr Bish said there was also a new tasting room and "wine-savvy" staff available to guide visitors through a flight of premium Hawke's Bay wine producers showcased at the Urban Winery.

"After many months of hard work behind closed doors our unique cellar door and wine bar is now open to the public, and we're loving sharing our stories and wines in a stylish yet relaxing atmosphere. We're also thrilled to be managing public access to the Art Deco foyer and boardroom for the summer too."

The winery redevelopment recently won an Art Deco Trust heritage award.

Shane Gorst, the trust's general manager, said repurposing was a fundamental part of securing the preservation of Hawke's Bay's heritage buildings.

"The reopening of this iconic building is a case study on how passionate owners and tenants can work together to breathe new life into a building and effectively give our past a brighter future."

Earlier this year, the building's owners were the first to receive a government grant from the Heritage Earthquake Upgrade Incentive Programme (EQUIP), which aims to help bring heritage buildings up to new building standards.

A grant of $10,000 was awarded for parapet strengthening.

The National Tobacco Company building foyer and boardroom are open daily from 11am to 4pm.

Entry is by gold coin donation (per person) for the public to view the foyer and boardroom, or visitors can opt for a $10 (per person) tour and wine tasting.

Tour operators can contact the Urban Winery to bring commercial tour groups into the National Tobacco Company building foyer and boardroom.

The Urban Winery is open daily from 11am to 5pm, Monday to Wednesday and Sunday, as well as 11am till late Thursday to Saturday.