Features
"In terms of presentation the bar and the restaurant are to a high standard with high stud ceilings and full height window joinery," says Clark. "There is feature timber and tile flooring to the bar plus internal decor and other high quality fittings. The back of house area for the restaurant has tiled ceilings and includes a kitchen, preparation and storage facilities."
The basement level unit includes a conference area split into two areas by bi-folding doors.
Separate men's and women's staff locker rooms and toilets, a staff lunchroom, storage and carpeted and partitioned offices used by the Metropolis manager, accounts and finance and others.
Barragar says the ground floor entry lobby features high quality marble, granite and limestone flooring and walls with a feature inlaid ceiling believed to be of onyx.
"Feature panel doors on either side of the entry lead on the right-hand side to the bar and on the left-hand side to the dining area of the restaurant. Stairs and a lift provide access to the conference and guest toilet facilities at the basement level."
Barragar says the bar and restaurant areas have a pleasant outlook to Albert Park across the road.
"The entrance is also close to the Victoria Street car park and the Auckland Art Gallery. From Kitchener Street most parts of the CBD core are within easy walking distance."
Barragar says the immediate High St and Chancery area is a popular locality for fashion boutiques, cafes, retail and business services.
Category A listing
Clark says the Old Magistrates Court building is identified in Auckland City District Plan as Heritage Item 66 with a Category A listing as "a building, heritage property or place of special value".
"The designation is intended to protect the nature and presentation of the building for the benefit of the city into the future," he says.
Under the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP) the building comes within the Queen Street Valley precinct centred on Queen Street and includes the areas surrounding High, Lorne, O'Connell, and Fort Streets.
The precinct has a strong pedestrian focus and is designed to accommodate a wide range of retail and commercial activities "that contribute to its vibrancy and amenity".