queens arcade, queens st, auckland

JCY was engaged to undertake a comprehensive refurbishment at Queens Arcade at 34–40 Queen Street, commencing in 2026.  Originally constructed in 1928 as two separate buildings of three and four storeys, the upper levels were removed in the 1980s to form the current two-storey open mezzanine arcade, which has remained largely unchanged since.

Key heritage features from the 1920s will be retained, including reddish marble tiles quarried from Whangārei on the columns and stairwell walls, Victorian-style tenancy shopfronts on the mezzanine, and traditional wrought iron balustrading with kauri handrails.

JCY’s refurbishment preserves these heritage elements while introducing a refined contemporary aesthetic with traditional detailing. New flooring will be installed in a classical pattern with routed brass inlays, and a new glass lift will be added within a refurbished stairwell featuring Ritz-inspired wall panelling and historical imagery.

New Victorian-inspired lighting will enhance the ambience, including large glass and brass pendants suspended from the skylight structure and leadlight wall fittings to columns and walls. New toilet facilities will be provided on the mezzanine, finished with matching tiles and complementary wall panelling.

Overall, the arcade will be transformed into a modern, upmarket retail environment with gold and brass accents. The street façades will be fully refurbished, with floodlighting and linear uplighting to highlight architectural features at night