The central nervous system of Tamaki Makaurau is in the midst of a complete overhaul; be it the decade-long construction of the City Rail Link, the waterfront's new 668-seat theatre, Civic Quarter's restoration or the conceivable development of the SkyPath. The latest project to add on the list is a flashy new dining precinct that will soon inhabit the Sultan of Brunei's former headquarters at 125 Queen Street - a building that has been largely vacant for the past five years.

Named Queen's Rise, the initiative is touted as, "A tech infused milieu for the South Pacific's most cosmopolitan city." To give you a better indication of what that actually means, Queen's Rise is an all-day laneway-style dining precinct similar to already established downtown eatery Elliot Stables.

Developer Duncan Elley says that Queen's Rise will be elevated and "has been inspired by the best international café courts and laneway concepts found abroad." The interior will emit a European laneway feel courtesy of Sydney architects Jeremy Bull and Charlene Cong, with exposed structure and raw materials used to create an "edgy, intriguing environment".

The 900sqm dining precinct will be accessed through the heritage façade on Queen Street and at street level from Swanson St.

One tenant already confirmed to feature in the space is Potato and Me, an intriguing hybrid of breakfast bar, potato joint and watering hole. Owner Ruairi Hatrick says the establishment will sit mostly on the vegetarian side with the main contender being oven roasted chips enhanced by different salts and a selection of sides including: cheeses, pickles, savoury jams and dips. It will also offer, "cute and quality beer, wine and cocktails, and great coffee."

The tentative opening date for Queen's Rise is the end of January, 2017. Budding vendors should get in touch over here.

Published on September 28, 2016 by Stephen Heard