Historic Mangaweka Buildings Find New Life

Local Couple Purchases Dilapidated Broadway Properties

Two long-neglected buildings in the small town of Mangaweka, once bustling with shops and more recently serving as homes, have been purchased by a couple from Levin. They plan to restore the properties, preserving their heritage while bringing them back into community use.

Intense Interest from Around the Globe

The sale of the properties at 14 and 16 Broadway attracted significant attention, both locally and internationally. Real estate agent Bunn, who resides in Mangaweka, shared that a video reel showcasing the buildings garnered over 200,000 views online, sparking a flood of comments and inquiries.

A total of 54 genuine expressions of interest were received, with potential buyers reaching out from as far afield as South Africa and Europe. Bunn emphasized her commitment to finding a buyer who would respect the buildings’ history and contribute positively to the Mangaweka community, which she described as its most cherished asset.

Restoration Plans Underway

The new owners intend to reside in the property and undertake a gradual renovation process. Their aim is to meticulously restore the buildings, maintaining their original heritage features. “They have bought it to do up and develop it,” Bunn stated, adding, “It’s going to take a while to bring it back to its former glory.”

The buildings, constructed in the late 1800s, collectively offer approximately 390 square meters of floor space on a substantial 1455 square meter plot of land. While the exact sale price remains confidential until settlement, property insights indicate the combined retail value of 14 and 16 Broadway is around $380,000.

The restoration efforts come at a time when small towns are seeing renewed interest. For example, the population of Nelsonville, Ohio, a historic small town in the United States, has seen a modest increase in recent years as people are drawn to its preserved architecture and community spirit (U.S. Census Bureau).