Church seeks demolition of historic Auckland building, but council prohibits

Historic Carlile House in Auckland's Grey Lynn faces an uncertain future as its owner, the United Church of Tonga, seeks options for the dilapidated building. Leaders have spoken with Auckland Council about demolition, but the building's status as a Category 1 Historic Place prohibits such action.

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Right now, because of the fence running through here it actually feels so guarded, and it's like something that nobody can actually appreciate.

The grand two-story structure, built in 1886, has served various purposes, including as an Anglican children's home and an alternative school. However, decades of neglect have left it in a state of disrepair, with the church unable to fund its restoration.

Local architect Graeme Burgess expressed dismay at the building's decay, calling it "heart-breaking to watch something so grand and so wonderful slowly falling apart." He hopes for discussions focused on retention rather than demolition.

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[It's] difficult to watch something so grand and so wonderful slowly falling apart. But there are reasons why it's in the state that it's in at present. And those reasons are incredibly complex.

Conversely, local artist John Reynolds, who has lived opposite the house for decades, is less optimistic. He fears the building could collapse within 18 months if decay continues unchecked. Reynolds believes the church lacks interest in restoration and that the council has not done enough to facilitate a solution. He advocates for the property's redevelopment into social housing, seeing it as a potential win for the community, the church, and heritage advocates.

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At the current rate of decay, in 18 months it'll be collapsing in on itself, if not before.

In 2019, Auckland Council offered to purchase the building, but the church declined. At the time, redevelopment costs were estimated between $10 million and $20 million. Local historian Tania Mace noted that Carlile House was originally built with funds bequeathed by a benefactor.

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It could be many houses, and it could be housing for people that needs housing. It could be a win for the community, a win for the church, and actually a win for the heritage nuts.