Auckland’s luxury landscape is about to get a $30 million upgrade.
Faradays – the next-generation department store known for its ultra-curated Parnell boutique – has announced plans to open a landmark three-level, 3,000-square-metre flagship at 131 Queen Street in mid-2026.
The move marks one of the boldest bets on the future of Auckland’s CBD in decades, positioning Faradays not just as a retailer, but as a potential catalyst for Queen Street’s long-awaited revival.
A Department Store for a New Era
Helmed by Faradays CEO Edward von Dadelszen, alongside developer Andrew Krukziener and investor Mark Francis, the new space promises a mix of global prestige and local creativity.
Set inside the heritage-listed former Milne & Choyce building – home to one of New Zealand’s first department stores – the site will be redesigned by Fearon Hay Architects to balance grandeur with modern sophistication.
“Faradays at 131 Queen St will blend globally celebrated luxury brands with elevated everyday essentials,” says von Dadelszen. “We’ll provide a platform for emerging local and international designers, and host experiential pop-ups and activations. It’s not just a store, but a destination.”
A Vote of Confidence in Queen Street
With Queen Street still recovering from years of retail decline and the pandemic’s economic fallout, the announcement has sparked excitement among both city leaders and retailers.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown hailed the project as “a shot in the arm for the CBD,” adding that the new Faradays will “bring back that wonderful department-store energy Queen Street used to have.”
Investor Mark Francis called the development “one of the largest and bravest retail tenancy transactions on the street in the past 100 years,” while Krukziener noted that it would “deliver the finest multi-brand duty-free and luxury galleria experience in Australasia.”
What to Expect
When doors open in 2026, Faradays Queen Street will feature:
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Three beautifully designed levels of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle retail
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A refined hospitality concept in partnership with a leading operator
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Valet arrival and concierge service for a premium guest experience
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Extensive selections across menswear, womenswear, streetwear, childrenswear, beauty, homeware, fragrance, and accessories
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Access to globally renowned luxury houses alongside Faradays’ own private labels and emerging Antipodean designers
The brand also plans to unveil a “superstar board” in January 2026 – featuring some of New Zealand’s most celebrated names in fashion and retail – hinting at the level of ambition behind the project.
A New Chapter for the City
As flagship neighbours like Cartier and Graff anchor the city’s luxury corridor, Faradays’ arrival could re-establish Queen Street as New Zealand’s definitive retail destination.
“City centres are destinations,” Brown said. “This development will revitalise and refresh the CBD and help cement Tāmaki Makaurau as a thriving international metropolitan hub.”
Von Dadelszen describes it as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to offer something truly special — a place to discover, connect, and be inspired for generations to come.”
If Queen Street’s future has been uncertain, Faradays just made it a little more golden.
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Image credits:
Portraits:
Faradays CEO Edward von Dadelszen, photographed by Guy Coombes at 131 Queen Street.
Colour image of building:
131 Queen Street, Auckland, image c/o Krukziener Properties.
Historic image of building:
Sparrow Industrial Pictures Ltd (1948), façade of Milne & Choyce building, c/o Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmakī Paenga Hira, PH-1982-3-SIP-4667.
