A $2.7 million redevelopment to transform the former RSA building into a cafe and office space is expected to be completed by July.
Pukeroa Oruawhata Holdings bought the building at auction last year for slightly less than $1 million - and now plans to spend about $2.7 million renovating it to transform it into offices and a cafe.
Pukeroa Oruawhata general manager Peter Faulkner said the company had identified a preferred contractor and expected to start work early in the new year.
Work on the Haupapa St building should be completed by July or August.
Mr Faulkner said they were in discussions with a cafe operator but could not confirm who it was.