Auckland’s Queen Street is set to welcome a NZD 30 million property, retail, and architectural project when Faradays opens in mid-2026.
The venture is led by Faraday's CEO Edward von Dadelszen, alongside developer Andrew Krukzeiner and property investor Mark Francis, who will transform the space into a three-level, 3,000-square-metre store that celebrates both global excellence and local creativity.
“Faradays at 131 Queen St will offer menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, beauty, homeware, streetwear and more, blending globally celebrated luxury brands with elevated everyday essentials,” said von Dadelszen.
“We will provide a platform for emerging local and international brands, as well as being a home for experiential pop-up events and activations.”
The heritage-listed former Milne & Choyce building, home to one of New Zealand’s first department stores, will be redesigned by Fearon Hay Architects.
Revealing the renders, leading architects Fearon Hay said the vision for this extensive offering creates a dynamic tension between the existing and the new, layering distinct experiences across the building’s three levels.
The Faradays experience
The opening of Faradays will mark a significant milestone in the revitalisation of Auckland’s city centre. Alongside global icons such as Cartier and Graff, Faradays will help re-establish Queen Street as New Zealand’s luxury retail destination.
The Faradays experience will provide a seamless duty-free and retail offering across multiple categories, to delight visitors and locals alike.
Announcements regarding the Faradays Queen Street brand line-up are expected to begin soon, while the former Faradays Parnell site will be re-imagined by a new team. The experience will include:
- Three beautifully designed levels of luxury and lifestyle retail
- A refined hospitality concept delivered in partnership with a leading operator
- Valet arrival and concierge service for a premium guest experience
- Extensive selections across womenswear, menswear, streetwear, childrenswear, beauty, fragrance, homeware, and accessories
- Access to globally renowned luxury houses, Faradays’ acclaimed private labels, and emerging Antipodean designers
“City centres are destinations. This development will revitalise and refresh the CBD, cementing Auckland as a thriving international metropolitan hub for Aucklanders and visitors alike,” said Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.
“My family used to enjoy visiting Smith & Caughey’s because it had a wonderful feel about it, so I’m thrilled the establishment of Faradays will bring that vibe back to the heart of the city.”
He added that this expansion will galvanise Queen Street, provide a much-needed boost for retailers and the economy, and deliver an exciting new shopping experience.
