Old Sofrana House
In 1854 the firm of P. Hayman & Co was formed in Birmingham. At the time of the Otago Gold rush it operated a branch in Dunedin dealing in jewellery, crockery, musical instruments, stationary, saddlery and household items.
In 1898 Henry and Lachlan Hayman leased the Customs Street East site for 50 years. Their new building was designed by John Currie and built by Messrs Jones and Co. for £12,000, exclusive of fittings. The Haymans were so pleased with the Currie design of their warehouse they presented him with a gold watch.
In 1935 the leasehold property was sold for £8,000 and had various tenants until it was reopened in 1970 as Columbus House.
From 1984 to 1988 the leasehold changed several times and included Sofrana Immobilier Ltd. In 1992 the property was transferred to the Auckland City Council and the Auckland Regional Council.
Current use
This building has been cleaned out; the services reinstated and is now leased to the following tenants on an interim basis.
This building will be restored as part of the redevelopment of the Britomart Precinct
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