Luxury retailer Faradays plans a $30 million project on Auckland’s Queen St, targeting an opening for a department store with a restaurant, retail experiences, and valet parking by mid-2026.
Fearon Hay Architects will redesign the site at 131 Queen St into a three-storey store covering 3,000 square metres.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to offer something truly special to New Zealanders and visitors alike. Not just a store, but a destination. A place to discover, connect, and be inspired for generations to come,” Faradays chief executive Edward von Dadelszen said.
“We’re thrilled to be creating something extraordinary – a department store reimagined from the ground up to set a new standard for retail in New Zealand.”
Fearon Hay Architects co-founder Jeff Fearon also commented on the project.
“131 Queen St sits in the context of the continued establishment of global brands and the pending sea change expected from the imminent opening of new central city stations and the connectivity of rail. These elements combine to make this project an incredibly exciting one,” Fearon said.
According to Von Dadelszen, this project marks Faradays’ first effort to serve a wider market, as the company currently targets an upscale clientele through its store located in the Parnell Textile Centre.