The Manurewa RSA has operated from 2-8 Maich Rd for 50 years. Photo / Supplied
The land and buildings of one of Auckland's largest former Returned Services Association sites are on the market for sale.
The RSA operated at 2-8 Maich Rd, near Manurewa's business district, for 50 years but has become unable to contine due to an ageing and declining membership base. The venture was no longer viable long-term, and the club ceased trading in May 2018.
Its 900 members are in the process of transferring patronage to other chartered clubs in the South Auckland region, including the Papatoetoe Returned Services Association, the Papakura Returned Services Association, and the Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club.
At the time of closure, 23 per cent of the club's membership was classified as having served in the armed forces — a rate well down from when the venue first opened and it was frequented by former servicemen and women who had served their country in global conflicts dating as far back as World War I.
Proceeds from the sale of property will be used for the welfare support of returned services men and women in the Manurewa area.
Manurewa RSA general manager Dave Fenton says the substantial collection of military memorabilia which had adorned the walls and corridors of the property for decades is being apportioned out to appropriate recipients, including families who had originally loaned it; the Royal New Zealand Air Force training unit at Ardmore Airbase; and the Royal New Zealand Army garrison in Grey Lynn.
Fenton says any military memorabilia and records remaining at the end of the repatriation process could be shared with either the Papakura or Papatoetoe RSAs, or potentially the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
The Maich Rd property consists of a modern single-storey 1820sq m building sitting on 3091sq m of freehold land zoned Business-Light Industry. Included within the land is sealed and gated car parking for 53 vehicles.
Inside, the fully air-conditioned building contains all of the services and infrastructure required for sustaining a licensed hospitality operation, including:
• a full commercial-grade kitchen featuring ovens, hobs, grillers, fryers, walk-in freezer and refrigerator, dish-washer/drying equipment, and extensive stainless-steel benching;
• an open-plan 200-seater bar and restaurant area;
• two separate bar structures – each with multiple tap-heads and lines running through to the refrigerated keg chiller;
• an entertainment area with four full-sized and four half-sized pool tables, spot-lit dart board arena, and TAB betting outlet;
• a covered private outdoor courtyard area for smoking patrons;
• full modern male and female bathroom facilities; and
• administrative offices.
The property is being marketed for sale by expressions of interest through Bayleys Manukau with registrations close at 4pm on July 18. Salespeople Ben Bayley, Karl Price and Dave Stanley say in addition to the land and building on offer, the RSA would also look at selling the fit-out and chattels associated with sustaining a food and beverage business.
"As a fully-functional hospitality entity, this is a virtual 'turn-key' operation in a ready-to-go state," Bayley says.
"The high-profile location of the property in the heart of Manurewa township sitting at the apex of two busy roads, along with fit-out, chattels, and extensive parking area, indicate the property would ideally suit either a hospitality-focused owner, or potentially a religious-based organisation.
"The premises could easily continue operating as a restaurant and bar under its structural configuration, or with a new fit out and decor could just as easily transform into one of the branded hospitality chains currently in the New Zealand marketplace – such as those under the Good George, Lone Star, or Good Home monikers for example."
Bayley says with a large entry foyer coming off Maich Rd, and a second entry point directly off the car park, a development-orientated investor could also look at reconfiguring the property to potentially have two separate hospitality operations under one roof branching off – each with their own individual entry point.
"Alternatively, a religion-based organisation may purely look to make the most of the open plan space for a place of worship or meetings, supported by the food and beverage amenities for functions and social events."
Manurewa RSA's liquor and gaming licences have both been left to lapse, and are not included in the asset sale.
However, Bayley says any new owner wishing to continue the hospitality aspect of the location could apply for a continuation of existing use certification from the council.
Auckland Council's Business – Light Industry zoning for the Maich St address allows for activities which generate minimal odour, dust, or noise into the surrounding environment.