Miramar warehouse ideal for film related business

Many inquirers about green-painted 134 Park Rd, Miramar, have connections with the film industry. Photo / Supplied

An unassuming metal-clad warehouse building in Miramar, Wellington, could be the ideal property for a film industry entrepreneur.

The warehouse with a green painted exterior at 134 Park Rd, Miramar, is directly across the road from Park Rd Post Production - the Weta Group's creative hub that provides high-level post production services to filmmakers globally.

The Miramar Creative Centre will also open on that site later this year offering Masters' programmes in a collaboration between Victoria University and film industry partners associated with Weta Workshop, Weta Digital, Park Road Post Production and Miramar Creative Ltd.

Andrew Smith of Bayleys says the vacant and high-stud, clear-span warehouse, with good natural light and roller door frontage to the street, is to be auctioned on August 3.

Smith says the property is already attracting a broad range of potential investors and owner-occupiers who see value in being located in the epicentre of Wellington's film industry.

He says that smaller scale owner-operators or investors should not assume that existing forces within the film industry will snap it up to add to their portfolio.

"At 743sq m, the warehouse is not large enough to play a big part in the industry, but it would be ideal for costume designers, special effects people, set or prop designers, makeup artists or other creative types who provide services to the film sector.

"Many of the inquiries I've received have come from people aligned in some way with the film sector in a 'supporting actor' role."

Smith says the property was previously occupied homewares business run from the warehouse.

The vacant and clear-span warehouse, has good natural light and roller door frontage to the street. Photo / Supplied

"The owner has now moved onto other projects and put the warehouse up for auction. Steering away from the film sector, the property could equally be suitable as a distribution point for an online business as there is front and rear access and parking for three vehicles.

"It could also be perfect for a commercial kitchen providing catering, or it could house a microbrewery, or a gym for people who work in the vicinity."

The building contains a large open-plan office to the front with a mezzanine storage area above. To the rear are offices, a showroom, kitchenette, laundry and men's and women's toilets. There is also a mezzanine storage area above this space.

The property is rated over 70 per cent of New Building Standards (NBS).

According to Stats NZ, New Zealand film production revenue doubled in 2016 to more than $1 billion. Last year saw a 15 per cent increase in revenue from businesses involved in production and post-production.