Eleven million dollars. That’s how much the Lumley Centre cost to build. But this impressive structure on Shortland Street is more than just a price tag. It’s a significant piece of Auckland’s architectural and business history.
The Lumley Centre isn’t just any office building. It’s a premium commercial space in Auckland’s bustling CBD. With fourteen floors each spanning a massive 1200 square meters. This behemoth of a building once housed Lumley Insurance as its anchor tenant. It also provided office space for prominent law firms Simpson Grierson and Minter Ellison Rudd Watts.
The Lumley Centre boasts more than just office space. Imagine a luxurious five-star hotel-style lobby. A recreation floor complete with a cafe bar a health club and a business centre. You can almost feel the polished marble underfoot. The smooth hum of the Miconic lifts. The quiet efficiency of the secure communications room.
Peddlethorp Architects played a key role in the Centre’s design and construction. Their work secured Simpson Grierson as a tenant. The building’s distinctive look comes from a unique diagonal linking roof. This cleverly disguises the efficient 1300 square meter floor plates. The Level 9 lobby acts as a business lounge. It showcases a remarkable collection of large-scale artworks. Simpson Grierson’s offices occupy the upper levels. These include top-notch conference and entertainment facilities. There are even rooftop decks offering breathtaking harbour views.
The Lumley Centre also has impressive features you might not expect. It includes six floors of subterranean parking. A gymnasium with showers and personal storage. The building boasts dual access from Shortland Street and Fort Street. It even received an A-plus seismic strength rating of 100 percent of the New Building Standards. A testament to its robust construction.
The sale of the Lumley Centre in 2014 was a significant event. The price of $112.9 million represented a rare opportunity in the market. Its strategic location. High-quality construction and strong lease profile made it incredibly desirable. This placed the Lumley Centre firmly on the map as one of New Zealand’s finest commercial properties.
So as you stand before the Lumley Centre today remember its history. It is more than just steel and glass. It’s a reflection of Auckland’s growth and ambition a symbol of premium commercial success. A building that continues to shape the Auckland skyline.