Many Aucklanders will have memories of a hot cuppa and a scone in the historic tea kiosk after a stroll to the tihi (summit) of Maungawhau-Mt Eden. The kiosk at 250 Puhi Huia Rd, Mt Eden has been vacant for many years but the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority is now seeking to reinstate it as a café.
Commissioned by the Mount Eden Borough Council and designed by architect A. Sinclair O’Conner, the building was erected on the northern terrace of Maungawhau-Mt Eden in 1926 and has been occupied as a tea room and restaurant in the past.
Chair of the Maunga Authority, Paul Majurey, says that the ideal operator will have values that complement the spiritual, cultural and historical significance of the site.
“There is a lot of history here - both Māori and contemporary history. This is a special place and it represents a wide-ranging set of values. Maungawhau is a repository of people and relationships over the centuries and it is also very important to the Auckland communities of today – it’s a place folk go to reflect, to be with families and to take time out.
We are looking for a café operator who understands those values and can contribute to the enhancement of the ancestral maunga as a unique part of Tāmaki Makaurau.”
Albert-Eden Local Board Deputy Chair Glenda Fryer says local residents who enjoy walking up the maunga will be very pleased to see new life in the historic kiosk.
“People have waited patiently for it to be carefully restored and bought back to its former glory, and it is looking splendid. Soon, a new generation of Auckland residents and visitors will be able to contemplate Maungawhau and make new memories over a coffee.”
Around 1 million people visit Maungawhau-Mt Eden every year.
Leasing agency JLL is now calling for proposals to lease the premises by Friday June 26.
The teak kiosk encompasses 229 square metres of dining area and kitchen facilities, a 58.4 square metre information centre, 67.2 square metres of toilet facilities along with 19 customer car parks.
The building has recently undergone earthquake strengthening to ensure it is fully compliant with building standards.
The rental price on the premises will be by negotiation with a minimum five year lease term plus rights of renewal.
Interested café operators are encouraged to contact Chris Beasleigh at JLL on 09 363 0286.