One of Auckland’s most established commercial families is making a much-welcome multi-million-dollar investment into the city centre, committing more than $5 million to reposition the historic Queens Arcade as a luxury retail and wellness destination.
Drawing on inspiration from the legendary precincts of Paris, Milan, and Melbourne, the Davis family – who has owned the building since it first opened in 1929 – will transform the two-level site into a boutique-scale arcade designed for premium, service-led operators and appointment-based shopping experiences.
“Our family has been part of Auckland for well over a century, and we’ve always believed the city’s success depends on people being willing to invest for the long term,” says Michael Holden, of the Davis family. “Queens Arcade is a legacy building. This investment is about lifting standards, respecting its history, and ensuring it continues to play a meaningful role in Auckland’s prosperity well into the future.”
The Davis family has a long-standing legacy of hands-on property stewardship, heritage preservation, and civic contribution in the city, including the Mission Bay memorial fountain – commissioned by Eliot Davis in memory of his son Trevor – and significant support from his older brother Sir Ernest Davis that saw Browns Island pass into public ownership and enabled major improvements to the Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse in the Hauraki Gulf.
“We’re not trying to be everything to everyone,” continues Michael. “This is about quality over quantity. We’re looking for well-capitalised, well-run businesses that care about brand, service and presentation – operators who see Queens Arcade as a flagship home, not a short-term lease.”
This multimillion-dollar refurbishment will reposition Queens Arcade as a highly curated luxury destination, with a deliberately limited number of small to mid-sized tenancies designed for flagship, showcase and appointment-based operators rather than high-volume retail. It promises to add momentum to the growing premium push in lower Queen Street, alongside neighbours including the recently announced Cartier and Faradays, and existing Prada and Gucci.
“This is a real vote of confidence in lower Queen Street as a luxury precinct,” says Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck. “Heritage is what gives the city its character and investment like this has flow-on effects – it attracts more people, gives reason to stay longer, and encourages other businesses that complement the offer.”
The ground floor will be dedicated to premium retail, while Level 1 is intended to evolve into a complementary health and wellbeing hub, further differentiating the arcade from big box shopping centres. The remaining tenancy mix will suit boutique-style high-end retail looking for showcase shopfronts to present product to both Kiwi customers and travellers, in a setting built around service, presentation and experience.
Viv says that the addition of the City Rail Link will “make it easier and faster for many Aucklanders to access the city centre, and the Convention Centre will bring steady event-driven foot traffic and more international visitors”.
“Queens Arcade strengthens the area by giving people new and different reasons to visit – and that’s what shifts the dial,” she adds.
Queens Arcade has played a notable role in Auckland’s commercial history, previously housing tenants including John Burns & Co (now Burnsco); Marbecks; Radio 1ZB (Newstalk); and Fisher & Paykel.
“Cities don’t regenerate by accident,” he says. “They do it because brave people are willing to take a long view. This investment is our vote of confidence in Auckland – and in the future of Queen Street.”
But its history extends well beyond retail. In September 1943, US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited the Servicewomen’s Club on the building’s second floor during her wartime visit to New Zealand, travelling in her role as a representative of the American Red Cross.
Michael says the redevelopment is designed to respect that legacy while ensuring the arcade remains commercially relevant in a rapidly changing retail environment.
“Cities don’t regenerate by accident,” he says. “They do it because brave people are willing to take a long view. This investment is our vote of confidence in Auckland – and in the future of Queen Street.” Construction will begin on 1 April 2026, with the refurbishment scheduled for completion by November 2026. Find out more at queensarcade.co.nz
