Sumpters Grain Store and the Oamaru Historic Area

Along with other grain stores Sumpters Grain Storesits within a harmonious streetscape of commercial buildings similar in style and faced with Oamaru's limestone. Built in the boom era of the 1870s and 1880s they have survived to provide a pleasing aesthetic experience unique in New Zealand.

The 1878 ornately detailed two-storey grain store was built for Oamaru businessman George Sumpter who figured prominently in Victorian Oamaru."He was the first town clerk of Oamaru, later Member for Waitaki on the Otago Provincial Council. He was chair of the Oamaru Harbour Board for fifteen years. He conducted a large business as a grain merchant, land agent and auctioneer."