Aircon14%
Gateway Moves
We are currently in the process of moving from 950 Victoria Street to our new home at 490 Grey Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we moving?
We spent a significant amount of time exploring options that would allow us to provide a home for future generations.
Our current building is ageing, with leaks and other issues. Upgrading would have cost $13 million, making it difficult to meet on-site for two years and only extending its lifespan by about 20 years. A full rebuild was estimated at $30 million—an amount we couldn’t afford to borrow.
Buying 490 Grey Street was the best financial option, providing a long-term home for at least 50 years while keeping debt as low as possible.
This decision was prayerfully considered and supported by our Elders, Trustees, and Advisory Board and endorsed by our church family (99% in favour). We have felt a sense of the Lord’s peace, leading and guidance on this move.
How did we pay for 490 Grey Street?
We purchased the building for $14 million using:
$3 million in cash reserves
$8 million in bank lending
$3 million in vendor finance
Following the eventual sale of 950 Victoria Street and 17 Clifton Road and because of your Pledge490 contribution, we will have sufficient funds to repay the majority of our lending, and we celebrate that we are in this wonderful position.
To complete the fit-out, we need to raise an extra $4–5 million.
When are we moving?
We hope to move in before the end of 2025.
Right now, we are waiting for the unconditional sale of 950 Victoria Street and certainty around the cash available to complete the fit out. Building consent will shortly be lodged with council and we expect to have their response in early May.
What financial position are we in?
To complete the fit-out, we need to raise an extra $4–5 million. The less we borrow for this, the stronger our financial position will be.
How can I donate?
If you’d like to contribute, you can donate via our online banking (tax rebates are applicable):
Gateway Church Hamilton Trust
06-0103-0808803-00
Reference Details:
Particulars: YOUR NAME
Code: YOUR GIVING NUMBER
Reference: BUILD490
If you don’t have a giving number (for tax rebates), sign up at gatewaychurch.org.nz/give
How else can I help?
Prayer: Please continue to pray that all the various parts will come together under God's perfect timing.
To stay updated with specific prayer points, please sign up for our email list here
Where will I park?
We will have more on-site parking at 490 Grey Street than at 950 Victoria Street. These parks will mostly be reserved for the elderly, families with young children, and those with accessibility needs.
There is plenty of on-street parking north of Grey Street. If you are fit and able, you may need to park and walk. Bike parking will be available, and there are public transport options nearby.
What we currently need
As of March 2025, we are still in need of $4-5 million to be able to complete the fit out of our new home. We would love to be in a position where we can do this with minimal debt.
Following the eventual sale of 950 Victoria Street and 17 Clifton Road and because of your Pledge490 contribution, we will have sufficient funds to repay the majority of our current debt.
How to Donate
If you would like to donate to the fit-out of Gateway at 490 Grey Street, you can give through online banking with the details below (tax rebates are applicable):
Account Name:
Gateway Church Hamilton Trust
Account Number:
06-0103-0808803-00
Statement Details:
Particulars: YOUR NAME
Code: YOUR GIVING NUMBER
Reference: BUILD490
Tax Rebates
If you would like to have your donation as a tax rebate, you will need to sign up for a giving number before you give using the form below.
Building History:
1965
950 Victoria Street ground floor structure was purpose built for Woolworths supermarket. (photo from Hamilton Libraries Website)
1980
The Hamilton Assembly of God Trust board purchased the property and converted it for church purposes.
1984
Substantial renovations commenced which involved the completion of the first and second floors.
2007-2017
Gateway leadership recognised that our current building was aging with various aspects failing, discussions commenced focussed on remediation to our roof structure, air-conditioning, ground floor auditorium reconfiguration, lift, earthquake risk strengthening, fire safety. A combination of finance, the scale of work required and the need to be out of the building proved to be problematic.
2020 – 2024
The desire to futureproof a place of worship and connection for current and future generations remained a focus of the Leadership team, several alternative sites were considered but doors were closed through unsuitability, price or properties simply being removed from the market. In late 2023 Gateway Church was approached by the vendors of a property suggesting that it would be a good solution for Gateway, this property had previously been considered but was not on the market, following high level due diligence, prayer and discussion, the Leadership Team and Trustees were unanimous in bringing the opportunity to acquire this building to our church family in April 2024. In order to secure the property, bridging finance and in turn the sale of Gateway property would be required.
At a meeting held of those that call Gateway home, it was agreed to pursue the sale of Gateway property in order to acquire an alternative property situated at 490 Grey Street.
Past Building Updates
Our Building Vision
Gateway builds a home, a presence, and a future
We see a church building as being a vital asset for connecting our faith community to each other and also offering hospitality to our wider community. A place of belonging where identity can be forged - a place to come ‘home’ to. A ‘home’ that nurtures and fosters biblical community and hospitality. A home is comfortable and welcoming, where food is eaten and life is lived both in times of celebration and lament.
Our hope is that the building is a symbol that represents the presence of God in our city and is spilled out in the lives of our people. A functional but simply beautiful design as its architecture speaks of something sacred and different to the symbols of our culture.
This project is an investment for future generations. Architecture that is built to last and that can facilitate the dreams of our children and their children as they faithfully follow Christ in our city.
