Key Takeaways
- Diane Foreman purchased the former Newmarket Police Station for $10 million after a spontaneous decision made following a spa appointment.
- The property comprises a 1909 red‑brick station, an 1880s sergeant’s house, and the original cell block, all of which have been renovated into a boutique hotel.
- Foreman’s extensive renovation background—gained over decades working with interior designer James Doole on luxury projects locally and abroad—guided the transformation.
- The Newmarket Central Boutique Hotel will open on August 1, offering 17 ensuite bedrooms in the main building, a luxury‑converted sergeant’s house, and uniquely priced former cells.
- Hospitality specialist James Botting has been appointed manager, overseeing both this new venture and Foreman’s existing Emerald Inn.
- Paul Henry is concurrently restoring the Salt River Barn on his Kaipara farm into luxury accommodation, recently showcasing the progress to former Prime Minister Sir John Key.
- The couple has downsized from their six‑bedroom Georgian mansion in Remuera, renting it out while moving into a refurbished home nearby.
- August will be busy for Foreman: the hotel opening coincides with her son Josh and his wife Kirsty expecting their first child.
- The hotel’s location on Auckland’s “medical mile” near private hospitals and the train station is positioned to attract medical‑step‑down guests and visitors alike.
Purchase Decision and Inspiration
Diane Foreman’s acquisition of the former Newmarket Police Station came as a surprise even to her. She recounts that while enjoying a facial, her beauty therapist mentioned that the historic station was on the market. Intrigued, Foreman visited the site the next day, was immediately struck by the brass front door, and struck up a conversation with the vendors, who offered her a tour. Within five minutes of walking through the property she decided to buy it, later telling her husband Paul that the purchase felt like “a very expensive facial.” The spontaneous decision underscores Foreman’s instinctive response to unique real‑estate opportunities and her confidence in the property’s potential.
Historical Background of the Property
The Newmarket Police Station occupies a prominent corner of Remuera and Middleton Roads. Its origins date back to 1909, with the substantial red‑brick structure erected in 1938 to serve as the area’s police headquarters. Adjacent to the station lies an 1880s‑built sergeant’s house, and the original cell block remains intact on the site. After the police relocated to a modern facility on Teed Street in 2021, the historic complex was placed on the market in 2023. The building’s rich heritage—spanning over a century of law‑enforcement service—provided a compelling backdrop for its adaptive reuse as a hospitality destination.
Renovation Vision and Prior Work
Before Foreman’s involvement, the previous owners had already invested three years in renovating the property into a boutique hotel. They transformed the cell block into habitable spaces, updated the brick façade, and preserved historic features while introducing modern comforts. Foreman recalled being “blown away” by the quality of the work, describing it as “the most successful repurposing renovation I have ever seen.” Rather than starting from scratch, she saw an opportunity to add her own stylistic touches and further elevate the already impressive conversion, ensuring the hotel would meet the high standards of her existing portfolio.
Foreman’s Expertise and Partnerships
Foreman brings a wealth of experience to the project, having collaborated for decades with real‑estate expert and interior designer James Doole on numerous luxury renovations. Their joint projects span high‑end addresses in Remuera, Herne Bay, and Omaha, as well as overseas ventures in Australia and England. For the Newmarket Central Boutique Hotel, Foreman and Doole refined the sergeant’s house into a luxury lodge‑style retreat, added curated artwork—including a Karl Maughan painting in the dining area—and made subtle enhancements to the main hotel and former cells. This partnership ensures that the property balances historic reverence with contemporary sophistication.
Details of the Newmarket Central Boutique Hotel
The redeveloped property offers a variety of accommodation options. The sergeant’s house has been fully renovated into a four‑bedroom, three‑bathroom luxury stay, evoking a lodge ambiance. The original cell block has been converted into a one‑bedroom apartment featuring a full kitchen and a luxury bathroom, providing guests with a unique, historically themed experience. Within the red‑brick building, 17 light‑filled ensuite bedrooms have been created, each equipped with modern amenities while retaining the building’s character. These diverse room types allow the hotel to cater to couples, families, and solo travelers seeking a distinctive stay in central Auckland.
Opening Logistics, Pricing, and Management
The Newmarket Central Boutique Hotel is slated for a grand opening on August 1. Introductory rates have been set to attract early guests: standard rooms in the main brick building will be priced at $199 per night, the uniquely renovated former cells at $330 per night, and the sergeant’s house at $530 per night. To oversee operations, Foreman has appointed hospitality specialist James Botting as manager; Botting also manages Foreman’s established property, The Emerald Inn on Takapuna Beach. This dual‑management approach leverages Botting’s expertise while allowing Foreman to maintain strategic oversight of her growing hospitality portfolio.
Paul Henry’s Parallel Projects
While Foreman focuses on the hotel, her husband Paul Henry is engaged in his own restoration venture. He is converting the Salt River Barn on his 3DAMS farm in Kaipara, Northland, into luxury accommodation. The project has progressed sufficiently that in May, former Prime Minister Sir John Key visited the farm aboard his Airbus H130 helicopter to view the renovations. Henry hopes to finish the barn conversion by the following year, adding another high‑end lodging option to his personal portfolio. The couple’s parallel endeavors reflect a shared passion for transforming historic or rural spaces into refined guest experiences.
Personal Life Changes and Future Plans
Foreman and Henry have recently downsized from their six‑bedroom Georgian mansion at 33 Arney Cres, Remuera, which had been listed for offers over $18 million. Unable to secure a buyer at their desired price, they opted to rent the property out while moving into a newly refurbished home situated embarrassingly close to their former residence. The move aligns with their desire for a more manageable living situation as they embark on new business ventures. August will be especially eventful: alongside the hotel opening, Foreman’s son Josh, a health and physical education teacher, and his wife Kirsty are expecting their first child, promising a joyful family milestone amidst their professional endeavors.
Community Impact and Closing Thoughts
The hotel’s location on Auckland’s “medical mile”—near the new Alevia medical building and within easy reach of several private hospitals—positions it ideally for medical‑step‑down guests, visiting relatives, and health‑care professionals seeking convenient accommodation. Its proximity to the Remuera train station and local shopping further enhances its appeal to tourists and business travelers alike. By preserving the historic character of the former police station while introducing luxury amenities, Foreman and Henry have created a destination that honors Newmarket’s heritage, contributes to the local hospitality landscape, and offers guests a distinctive blend of history, comfort, and convenience. The upcoming launch promises to be a notable addition to Auckland’s boutique hotel scene, reflecting the couple’s vision, expertise, and enthusiasm for thoughtful property transformation.