No. 245 Ponsonby Road (pictured) was demolished on 7 March.

Ponsonby Heritage commented on their Facebook page: “Surely this was an excellent candidate for relocation …. For those interested to see just what structures are protected by being scheduled – this is the list of Heritage items: there are only 17 listed for the whole length of Ponsonby Road and only 15 along Jervois Road.

“Many people are understandably concerned by the recent demolition of number 243 & 245 Ponsonby Road and perplexed about neither of these properties having any Heritage protection. Unfortunately, many people see a structure which is old and has survived into the present age in relatively good condition and assume it has protection – this is very far from the truth …

“The other assumption is that if a building or site has been given a Heritage Rating by NZ Heritage that this makes it safe – this simply isn’t true … If you are concerned about the destruction of our heritage, the best thing you can do is to contact Auckland Council and suggest specific buildings for Scheduling”

A comment on the post read:

“There was subterfuge for 245. Firstly scaffold went up as though it was being painted, then the old ploy of demolition from the back so it’s not obvious.  Suddenly and too late the roof is gone, then the scaffolding comes down, huge digger arrives, and the building is crushed and sent to landfill.  Nothing saved.  All that beautiful kauri lost.  What heartless philistines.”

The following is from the Colliers ad entitled “Prestigious Ponsonby Rd landholding on the market for first time.”

“The largest privately owned freehold site on the cityside of Ponsonby Road has come up for sale for the first time, affording the new owner endless opportunities to add-value through a refurbishment programme, a complete redevelopment or simply land bank for future value gains.

“The highly prominent Ponsonby landholding of over 2,000 sqm on four contiguous titles has the prestigious addresses of 239, 243 and 245 Ponsonby Road and 42 Arthur Street, but is potentially more recognisable from the central landmark building that is known by many as Joe’s Bargain House, but was home of Media Works and more recently Lululemon …. There is an unmatched opportunity to unlock the potential of a strategically located site in one of Auckland’s most popular areas.”

Images: Ponsonby Heritage