A $3 million Las Vegas-style strip club and massage parlour is soon to open in Auckland's main street after winning a 24-hour liquor licence yesterday.
The White House, in the historic Theosophical Society building in Queen St, is being heralded as "Auckland's finest and most exclusive gentleman's club".
The granting of theliquor licence followed decisions by the Auckland Kindergarten Association and the Salvation Army to drop their objections.
The kindergarten association, which will open a daycare centre only 50m away in Myers Park in January, has accepted an offer from the management to provide lighting and security surveillance around its facility.
The Salvation Army withdrew its objection after learning at yesterday's Liquor Licensing Authority hearing how the White House management plans to run the building.
The Salvation Army is the next-door-neighbour of the White House.
Wellington strip club owner Brian Le Gros told the hearing he had spent about $3 million restoring the historic building from a derelict troublespot and former rave bar of very loud music, young people and drugs into a choreographed cabaret-style adult entertainment centre.
Star turn would be his troupe of strippers under the name the New Zealand Angels.
A massage parlour called Monica's would operate in the basement.
White House manager Lisa Convey said the facility would have a Las Vegas-type theme and be aimed at the business and tourist market.
"It is of concern to me that my premises operate in a secure and reputable environment," she said.
"I do not consider that there will be any intrusion on the use of the area by the adjoining kindergarten or Salvation Army."
Among the references made in support of the liquor licence was one from former Wellington Mayor Mark Blumsky, who said Mr Le Gros' businesses "provide a colourful addition to Wellington's nightlife and entertainment scene".
