Former Kaitāia backpackers building sold

“This is speculation and unfortunately cannot be confirmed. However, the new owners plan to renovate the property.”

“At this point I’m not sure (about the improvements), but it will be nice to see an old building given new life and potentially restored to its former glory.”

He was unable to reveal who the new owners were or the sale price of the property, but said it was listed in April.

Trent Blakeman, Far North District Council’s acting group director for delivery and operations, said the building received the notice in June 2023 because the building owner had turned off the fire alarm , no independent qualified person would inspect the building and issue a construction mandate from Aptitude.

“Without compliance with fire safety standards, the building was considered dangerous. A dangerous construction notice has been issued and posted at the entrance to the building. All tenants must vacate a building the same day a dangerous building notice is issued. If people continue to use the building as accommodation even though it is classified as dangerous, the municipality will infringe the rights of the building owner.

Later in June 2023, the council issued a $1,500 infringement notice.

A dangerous building notice was later removed from the building and the owner was issued a $500 violation.

“In July 2023, the building owner was working with the council to ensure that the Commerce St building met the requirements of the Building Act 2004. The owner submitted a change of use application, in order to bring the use of the building from commercial to residential. The change of use to residential means that the building no longer needs to comply with the stricter safety regulations required by a commercial building. We can confirm that the change of use request has not been approved.

He said there are currently no reviews on the building as it is currently vacant and closed and new owners would need to apply for permits depending on what it will be used for.

“We encourage building owners to contact the council to clarify any questions they may have regarding the consents required. The council has not received a request for permission for this address.

Blakeman added that if the owners intended to develop an apartment on the site, this may require resource consent (as well as planning permission).