Posts Tagged ‘Auckland Commercial sales’

Receiver of the Soho Square development site in Ponsonby, Tim Downes of Grant Thornton, announced today that he had commenced an “invitation to treat” sales campaign, headed by Bruce Whillans, principal of Ray White’s Auckland commercial  operations, in a fresh effort to sell the site.

Downes said that offers would be requested from some 20 or so pre-qualified prospects inviting them to participate in the process. Since his last Soho sale tender round a year ago, which did not produce an acceptable offer, the Receivers’ focus had been on obtaining an enhanced consent, allowing for a much larger development on the site. The enhanced consent was granted on 29 March 2011, which allows for a 45,348 square metre gross floor area mixed use development on the site (up from 32,286 square metre GFA) .

Downes said that the enhanced consent set the stage for a fresh sales campaign. Given the  level of interest shown in Soho from a number of potential developers and his view on the recent increased activity in the commercial property market, Downes is confident that, this time, Soho will be sold.

For a full Information Memorandum on SOHO Square, please contact

Brendan Keenan Senior Analyst Ray White Commercial brendan.keenan@raywhite.com 0r +64 21 161 3882

For information regarding the sale of  SOHO Square, please contact

Bruce Whillans Director Ray White Commercial bruce.whillans@raywhite.com 0r +64 21 985 619

Bruce Whillans and his team at Ray White Commercial’s new Auckland office in New Zealand have hit the ground running, clocking up more than $60 million in sales in their first four months.

The sales include the ground lessor interest (freehold) for the Albany Mitre 10 Home Centre, an industrial complex in Mount Wellington, and a portfolio of industrial properties in Penrose.

Mr Whillans said the sales successes have resulted in the Whillans team occupying the position of number one Ray White Commercial office internationally for the past two months.

“These results reflect our team’s focus and professionalism,” Mr Whillans said.

“We look forward to commanding a greater market share as our business grows.

“Market conditions are still challenging. However, our results prove that when properties are pitched correctly the demand is definitely there.”

Mark Williams CEO RWC (left) Bruce Whillans RWCA (right)

Known as the billion dollar man of New Zealand commercial property, Mr Whillans purchased the Auckland regional franchise from Ray White Commercial earlier this year.

Mr Whillans has sold more than $1 billion of commercial property during his 25 year career.

Ray White Commercial CEO Mark Williams said Mr Whillans is a key member of the group and its growing business, not only in New Zealand but also in Australia and in South East Asia.

“Our vision is to be the leading agency in the markets we operate in and with Bruce’s vast experience and knowledge we will go a long way towards achieving that in commercial real estate in New Zealand,” Mr Williams said.

“Bruce’s strong relationships both in New Zealand and internationally will also be beneficial to the group and likewise the Ray White Group offices throughout South East Asia will assist Bruce.”