Hillind Building (247 Dairy Flat Highway)

Albany’s transition from a rural settlement into a more established town began with the opening of the Hillind building in 1958. It was the first multi-storey commercial structure in the area and was commissioned by Harry Hillind, a retired member of the British Royal Navy. He and his wife, Amy, moved to Cheltenham Beach in 1946. After spending several years there, Hillind commissioned the construction of the commercial building in Albany in 1957. Once completed, he and his wife moved into the upstairs living space.

Initially, the ground floor of the Hillind Building hosted a chemist shop, solicitors’ office, and surgery. Prior to this, people had to travel to Birkenhead or Auckland City for their healthcare or pharmaceutical needs. Over the next sixty years, the building played host to several other businesses including La Bonta Italian Restaurant, MacLennan Realty, and Design Bind. Today, it is home to House of Barbers, House of Pain Tattoo, and the Pioneer Pie Co.

Cross Gills Road and then look across Dairy Flat Highway.