Wise play along Wellington commercial corridor

A favourably zoned commercial building in one of Wellington’s most tightly held precincts is being offered for sale with vacant possession, presenting owner-occupier buyers with the opportunity to secure a high‑profile foothold, or for investors to unlock cashflow in a proven location.

Positioned on 497sqm of freehold land at 69 Hutt Road, Pipitea on the fringe of Thorndon, the smart standalone building has prime exposure to heavy traffic flows, and seamless access to State Highways 1 and 2. This connectivity and visibility places the property squarely within one of the region’s most strategic commercial corridors.

Originally constructed as a small warehouse in the 1920s, the building has evolved into a modern, adaptable asset through a series of additions and refurbishments, with the most recent upgrades carried out in 2020. It now delivers 562sqm of lettable area, including a 168sqm warehouse/workshop with roller‑door loading bay, 99sqm of first‑floor offices, and 295sqm of ground‑floor office, showroom, and amenity space. A paved forecourt provides on‑site parking, supplemented by on‑street options directly outside.

With signage specialist Wise Studios relocating, the property carries an assessed potential net annual income of $112,569 plus GST.

The property will go to auction on Thursday 21st May through Liam Sherlock and Andrew Smith of Bayleys Wellington Commercial.

Given the chronic shortage of available stock along this stretch of road, Sherlock says enquiry is being fielded from occupiers looking to secure a long‑term presence in the area, and from investors willing to look through the current market and bank on rebounding demand for warehouse space.

“The property is genuinely for sale, with the vendor motivated to sell as evidenced by the decision to take the property to auction,” he explains.

“This building has worked extremely well for Wise Studios, and it would definitely suit another creative or professional business looking for space that has personality.”

Sherlock notes that Hutt Road assets consistently attract heightened attention due to the area’s balance of central access, visibility, and operational functionality.

“This location offers compelling advantages for staff, clients, and freight movements sitting amongst other commercial, retail, and light industrial users, and supported by nearby cafés, gyms, and fuel stations.

“The property is minutes from the Wellington CBD, Port, railway station, and key motorway interchanges which adds to its appeal.”

The building’s inherent flexibility positions it well for a broad range of occupiers, from creative industries as mentioned, or to trade retail or office users says Smith.

“There’s even potential for a live/work configuration, with the upper-level lending itself to studio‑style accommodation which could be supported by the Mixed Use zoning, subject to compliance requirements and necessary consents.”

Neighbouring businesses include Glengarry Wines, trade retail operators, automotive service providers, and Omega Rental Cars. The Thorndon Quay–Hutt Road corridor is also one of Wellington’s busiest public transport and cycling routes, carrying around 10,000 bus passengers each weekday and serving as the city’s most significant commuter cycleway.