Dunedin city developer and heritage building advocate Hayden Cawte is brewing up a residential and commercial mix at the former Aburn building in Princes St.
Mr Cawte started work on the derelict four-storey site last year, helped along by a $30,000 grant from the city’s heritage fund, which enabled him fix the gabled roof, timber windows and original facade.
Much of the building was damaged by a fire in 2011.
The centrepiece will be the Steamer Basin micro-brewery and taproom, which will take two storeys totalling 260sqm on the alleyway side of the building, also called the Bond Quarter.
The brewery refurbishment was ‘‘almost there’’ after delays during the restoration process, Mr Cawte said.
Work on the two-storey Princes St side would begin once the commercial alleyway side had been completed.
Eventually, there would be two apartments as well as office space.
Steamer Basin owner Paul Kelly had hoped the brewery would open at the end of last year.
‘‘We had to be out of our prior lease, so we have actually ceased production until we are in the new premises.
‘‘But it has been a major job with lots of hurdles, so I think what they have done to date has been awesome.’’
He was hoping to be in within a few months.
City development heritage adviser Andrea Farminer said it was an exciting project which offered two street fronts and retained the heritage of the building and its surrounds.
‘‘Reuse of this building is important as it could act as a catalyst to other works within the heritage area.’’
Mr Kelly said he was a great supporter of the work being done to a number of the heritage sites in the city, particularly south of the Octagon.
‘‘We are just pleased to be part of it.’’
