History and $1.2m make great McDonald's Queen St combo

The Historic Places Trust is loving McDonald's Queen St store, but not for the hamburgers.

The trust's excitement is over a $1.2 million refurbishment of the 1884 neoclassical building and former head office of the Auckland Savings Bank.

After looking at options for the building, including covering up the decorative plaster ceiling, McDonald's opted for the heritage route that will see the mezzanine floor removed and more features of the banking chamber highlighted.

A heritage adviser with the trust, Robin Byron, said the three-storey stone and brick building was significant for being the oldest intact former bank in central Auckland. Its Italianate facade and interior made it one of the best examples of commercial architecture.

The refurbishment began more than 12 months ago and is expected to be finished next month. Heritage architects Matthews & Matthews, the trust and the Auckland City Council have contributed to the work.

The Queen St franchisees, Mark and Debi Rush, said the refurbishment provided the opportunity to make the most of the building's heritage features. The restaurant has stayed open throughout the work.