5 Tyne Street

Connell and Clowes’ building, completed in 1877 to the design of Forrester and Lemon, was developed as part of a coordinated architectural composition with the adjoining Criterion Hotel. Together, the two structures form a visually unified façade that anchors this prominent corner of Oamaru’s heritage precinct, while still operating as separate commercial premises.

The ground floor was originally occupied by the business of Connell & Clowes, commission agents who dealt in stock, property sales, and general agency work. Their offices formed the public face of the enterprise and reflected their active role in Oamaru’s early commercial development. Above this, the upper level was leased to the Criterion Hotel, effectively extending hotel accommodation into the building and increasing its capacity to approximately 22 bedrooms.

A doorway between the hotel and the upper floor joined the two buildings together but this was sealed off after the hotel came under the ownership of G. T. Gillies Limited in the 1940s, separating the two buildings completely.

To the rear, the building extends into a large single-storey warehouse which opens onto Harbour Street. This space was used for storage and handling of goods,

The architectural design demonstrates Forrester and Lemon’s attention to detail and their ability to create commercial buildings with strong visual presence. The façade features a balanced composition with ornate detailing, including a prominent central entrance, decorative window surrounds, and a parapeted roofline with classical influences, contributing to the rich Victorian character of the streetscape.

Today, the first floor remains unoccupied and is identified as a future restoration opportunity for the Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust, representing the next stage in the ongoing conservation of the Heritage Precinct.

Trust History

The building was purchased by the Trust 1995 and the exterior restored in 2001.  

The rear section of the building was re-roofed and converted into retail

Tyne Street Tenant:
Rose's General Store
Harbour Street Tenant:
Presence on Harbour