Heritage building to be interior design studio

A 19th-Century heritage building in Central Otago has been given approval to be used as an interior design studio.

The Central Otago District Council has approved land use resource consent for Aimee Sheriff, of Bannockburn, to re-establish the historic store in Bannockburn.

The original building, at the intersection of Nevis and Domain roads, was built in 1881 and run as a general store until 1971.

It was established as a miners' co-operative during the goldrush era, before being run by generations of the Stewart family.

The Stewarts, who still own the building, used it as a private museum.

The council stipulated more than a dozen consent conditions, including limiting commercial use to interior design, arts and antiques and opening from 9am to 6pm.

Gordon Stewart said the family was happy with the consent conditions but necessary improvements would be costly.

The building had no power, sewerage or water connections and the cost of bringing it up to standard would be "significant," he said.

Ms Sheriff said she was waiting for detailed costings to determine if reopening the store was possible.

If all went well the building could be reopened by January and would sell furniture and homeware, she said.

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