The Auckland City Council web site (Lisa J Truttman) notes that this building (with no name) was designed by G W Allsop and built in 1907 as the second major structure on site, intended for incurables, (later a TB sanatorium). The upper floor was added in 1915. A clock, donated by W J Atkinson was intended for the south façade.
Not yet given a designation by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, this building was granted category B status by Auckland City Council in 2007, supposedly with 53 points, later revoked when an age "correction" reduced the points to a 49 fail, then reinstated again, but after a demolition order had been granted. These circumstances highlighted to the public (as portrayed in the press) significant developer influences on council decision-making. The building owners, the Auckland District Health board (ADHB) wish to demolish to make way for an extra 25-30 car spaces. It is true that parking is inadequate, but that is because development on site so far has not made provision for compact multi level car parks, or basement space under new buildings, but has left vehicles to be parked in a confused series of land wasting open areas. Furthermore the ADHB has recently disposed of an adjoining parcel of land on Claude Road "surplus to requirements". Public transport to and from the Green Lane area could be vastly improved.
Civic Trust Auckland believes that there is great potential to create a self contained heritage precinct, separated from or retained within the hospital complex, as this building faces a well proportioned open square with the category A designated Costley block (see separate entry in photos section) along another side to the rear. The University of Auckland makes good use of a series of heritage buildings along Princes Street. Why not the Health board?
