The former McLaren’s garage at 586-592 Remuera Road is a familiar landmark.
Built in 1926, McLaren’s was part of the development that occurred around the Upland Road intersection after the tram line extended there from its former termination at St Vincent’s Avenue and prior to its 1930 extension to Meadowbank.
A purpose-built service station, it reflected the growing popularity of the motorcar at that time. The business was acquired in 1936 by Les McLaren, whose family occupied the larger first floor middle flat of three above the garage itself. Les McLaren’s son, Bruce, went on to become a national and international celebrity motor racing driver and this association led to the building’s heritage recognised by both Auckland Council and Heritage New Zealand. Currently the former McLaren flat houses the Bruce McLaren Museum.
In recent years the building has presented a somewhat utilitarian face to the street, but now an adaptive reuse of the building, designed by heritage specialists, Salmond Reed Architects, heralds a fresh chapter in its history.
New commercial uses at ground floor level with residential retained above, will preserve the historic precedent, but promote increased street edge interest and activity. A new canopy, reminiscent of the original slender forecourt canopy, will extend across the footpath, providing additional shelter and alignment with the adjacent shops. Extensive glazing will create the idea of an open area below a floating roof and where solid walls are required, metal claddings will be used to reference the industrial origins of the mechanical workshops that once occupied this space. At the same time, the introduction of an additional floor of apartments constructed under a new roof, will increase available accommodation — and the whole building will be seismically strengthened, increasing its safety and usability now and for generations to come.
A welcome facelift to anticipate — and one designed to enhance the modern streetscape, while also recognising the significance of the site’s former function.
Watch the McLaren documentary Trailer here.
