We speak to Bevan Dixon, Summit’s Commercial and Industrial Specialist, about the recent sale of Richmond Methodist Church located at 4 Wensley Road in the heart of Richmond. Bevan has a wealth of experience selling and leasing commercial real estate across the Nelson Tasman region. He has built up numerous contacts within the industry over his twenty two-plus-year career due to his ‘truth and trust’ attitude, which made him the ideal fit to sell this unique property in Richmond’s CBD.
How did this listing come about? What was the churches’ motivation to sell? Initially I worked with an interested party which led to myself taking on the responsibility of the sale at 4 Wensley Road, as I often give advice and support behind the scenes. In this new age and climate, members of the Church had decided to join forces with the Stoke Methodist Church, their decision to sell was not an easy one after being involved at the site for well over 100 years – as you can imagine, there is a lot of history and sentimental memories here for many.
What was the strategy behind the Tender campaign?
The Methodist Church of Richmond had been approached in an off-market deal of their premises, but the board made the right call in taking the property to the market using the best locally owned agency in the Top of the South. It was agreed the most appropriate method for marketing such a unique and high profile property was by Tender, that generate strong competition but remained the fairest and most transparent option. The campaign was undoubtedly a success, and I was very pleased with the positive outcome for our client as the property was confirmed as unconditional on 8 July 2022.
Was there much other interest in the 1,801sqm site?
There was interest from all around the country, with people looking at purchasing for a variety of different developments, as well as from local and national business’ which some simply wanted to keep it as is for the benefit of the community. In the end, multiple offers were presented to members of the Methodist Church.
Any known future plans for the site?
Being such a high-profile site and a large piece of land to be sitting in the CBD, the Tasman District Council did the right thing for the wider community to take it out of the market. I’ve read they have a number of development options, including office space, green space amenities or an investment to benefit ratepayers, I’ll be watching with close interest as I’m sure others will too.
If you have a commercial and industrial property you would like to sell or lease, get in touch with Bevan Dixon today.