This building on Devon Street West was built for the clothing retailer Hallensteins in 1956. A building permit was issued on 19 September 1956 to Hallenstein Bros. Ltd. for commercial premises on Lot 1 DP7763, part Town Sections 905, 905A and 906.
The contractor was Snowden Construction Ltd. and the estimated cost £44,166.
On 8 August 1972 a building permit was issued to Hallenstein Bros. Ltd. for internal alterations to the shop with the estimated cost being $15,970.
Demolition of the building, along with the neighbouring Metro Plaza building, began in early March 2026. The project will see the Huatoki Stream opened up after more than a century covered over. The venture is a partnership between NPDC, Ngati Te Whiti and K.D. Holdings the owner of buildings on either side of the Huatoki. The goal is to create a Green space along with a new commercial hub.
On 16 May 2026 (page 3) the Taranaki Daily News reported on the demolition and the "uncovered stories of New Plymouth's retail history".
Related items:
Taranaki DP556 Sheet 1 (1893), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
Taranaki DP6849 Sheet 1 (1950), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
Taranaki (Lot 1) DP7763 Sheet 1 (1955), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
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