Don McGlashan, right, has performed at the Kings Arms many times over the years.

Auckland music venue the Kings Arms Tavern looks set to fall victim to the city's rampant push for property developments.

The 19th century pub that has played host to major international acts such as the White Stripes and The Black Keys, and helped launch the careers of many Kiwi acts, could make way for apartments after being listed for sale under a mixed use property zone.

The sale was advertised on Saturday following months of speculation it would be redeveloped.

BRENDAN O'HAGAN/STUFF Maureen Gordon is selling the Kings Arms Pub.

Owner and publican of 25 years Maureen Gordon said it wasn't necessarily the death knell for the venue, with a slim chance the new buyer may keep it open and build on the surrounding land.

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She said the business reality meant they had to make the tough decision of selling up.

"I feel very sad about it," she said.

BAYLEYS The Kings Arms tavern is being sold.

"We're very reluctant to walk way from the music scene but overheads and expenses are pretty high. Rates and all those things come into it. And it's very valuable land that's sitting there."

The building and land covers 2,112 square metres at 57 – 59 France St in the inner suburb of Newton.

It's been zoned as a mixed use, meaning it could be redeveloped for residential or commercial purposes.

BAYLEYS Thousands of music fans signed a petition to try and keep the Kings Arm Tavern open.

Speculation in March this year that the venue would be demolished for apartments prompted a major backlash from music lovers with 6000 people signing a petition to try and keep it open.

Neill Fraser, of Auckland rock band Villainy, said it would leave a huge hole in the city's cultural landscape if it closed. His band, which opened for AC/DC ar Western Springs earlier this year, has played there six times and are set to play again in October. "It's this place where you can go and see amazing international bands one night and see a band for five bucks on another. That's pretty special and worth trying to protect," he said. "There aren't many dirty rock pubs left in Auckland." Fraser was holding hope it could remain open, in the same way the St James theatre was saved. "St James is a really good example of a venue which was almost lost but we managed to bring back." Radio DJ and assistant to Neil Finn, Charlotte Ryan said the Kings Arms was the perfect size for intimate gigs and would be a loss for local and visiting bands who play to that crowd. "That sized venue is a rarity," she said. "It's a worry that it could close. I just hope someone buys it that loves music and keeps it open." Gordon said it was business as usual for now, with an ongoing lease on the business and existing bookings stretching into 2017 still going ahead. She said she would wait for offers to see what kind of interest was out there and whether they could reach the right deal. "We mightn't get the tender we want and we're back to square one."

Agents Bayleys said it could be a prime spot for a multi-storey development, with a height overlay allowance of 32.5 metres approved through Auckland Council's Unitary Plan.

"This is one of the most favourable height overlays in the city fringe," agent Alan Haydcock said.



Tenders were open through Bayleys Auckland until October 26, unless it was sold prior. CHARLOTTE RYAN'S TOP FIVE KINGS ARMS GIGS The White Stripes 2003

The Mint Chicks with Whirlwind Heat 2003

Flying Nun 30th Birthday Tour 2011

The Black Keys 2005

Mac de Marco 2015 NEIL FRASER OF VILLAINY'S TOP FIVE GIGS AT THE KINGS ARMS TAVERN The Dillinger Escape Plan 2015

Amanda Palmer - 2011

Mark Lanegan 2010

Villainy (my band) 2014

The Datsuns 2013