A part of our architectural heritage, or an eyesore on the Auckland skyline?

Auckland Council is putting forward options this morning for the future of the Civic Administration Building in Aotea Square.

Architectural photographer Patrick Reynolds admits right now, the building probably isn't everyone's cup of tea.

He says a building like that is no longer a fresh and thrilling idea, because it isn't the cutting edge or current fashion.

Patrick Reynolds says despite that, we might live to regret scrapping an iconic modernist building.

The Tibor Donner 1960s tower has divided opinion for half a century, and could divide it for a half a century more

But Patrick Reynolds says a change of use could bring it back to life.

He says it would make a great luxury hotel or permanent apartment block, with lots of daylight in every room.

Patrick Reynolds says the building represents our modernist heritage, and any decision about its future shouldn't be taken lightly.

Keeping the building will require structural work, with new steel frames and cladding setting the council back about 70 million dollars.

Asbestos could also complicate any demolition project.

The great move

Thousands of Auckland Council staff have moved out of the building since amalgamation.

Some Council-Controlled Organisation staff are based in waterfront offices, in the HSBC, AMP and former Auckland Harbour Board buildings.

Most others are based in the former ASB Tower near Sky City.

Hundreds more are based in Newmarket, and at suburban hubs like Onehunga and Henderson.