Rangiwai building site is coming to life
This story was written by Azzurra Snelgrove-Douch and appeared in the August 2026 issue of Fringe Magazine
Often an overlooked landmark, 400 Titirangi Road has long sat on the fringes of the Village’s cultural scene. On the corner of Rangiwai Road and with major renovations underway the building promises a new local asset.
The building is owned by the Titchener family and its recent renovation and construction have been overseen by Kerry Titchener. It's a project which, as Kerry says, has had “no expense spared”, with the main goal of "getting the building to a good standard”. This includes new stone columns, extensive underground parking spaces and garages, and sprawling outdoor patio areas.
The addition of blue stone columns and tiles echo those seen across Titirangi, particularly around the RSA and library spaces. The redevelopment also includes new steel framing and concrete floors, as well as expanded upstairs spaces and a redesigned interior. There will be new outdoor seating, canopies and planters, soon to be filled with flowing greenery, while glass replaces walls to increase light and open the space.
It's a project which also holds strong family and historical significance. Originally owned by Kerry's grandmother in the 1940s and 50s, the building was later acquired by the government to establish the Titirangi Post Office. Remnants of this remain with sections of the historical post office tile flooring being retained in the building's almost complete reconstruction. The space was offered back to Kerry’s father, Walter Titchener, during the 1990s and he was more than happy to take it back. Following his passing, the redevelopment became an important process in honouring family tradition. Kerry hopes to maintain family possession of the building, passing it down to future generations.
The building will house a number of different businesses. The second shop space next to Gecko in the Village (which has undergone expansion) will shortly open to new tenants. The Titchener family will also maintain a presence upstairs through the establishment of the W F Titchener Holdings offices, alongside the existing Traffic Planning Consultants offices, which have been expanded and revamped.
A familiar face takes on the main restaurant space: Vevo Café owner Victoria Warne. She aims to bring a “little bit of Auckland to Titirangi” through the opening of a modern Italian eatery. This will include sharing plates and “nice wines”. She hopes it will be an elevated spot to "spend evenings and special occasions".
Construction is scheduled to finish in September, with the opening of the restaurant expected shortly after. The redevelopment marks a new chapter for the building, after a history of changing hands; and a commitment to honouring family history and reconnecting with the community.
