ORIGINALLY HEAD OFFICE FOR ONE OF NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST MARITIME COMPANIES, THIS BUILDING IS NOW HOME TO THE OFFICES OF BRITOMART OWNER COOPER AND COMPANY.

Designed by architect B. C. Chilwell of Chilwell & Trevithick, the Maritime Building was erected in 1946 on a site previously occupied by an engineering workshop. It displays Neoclassical, Art Deco and Modernist influences.

As its name suggests, the building has a long association with the shipping industry. It was originally built as the head office and passenger service centre of the New Zealand Shipping Company, one of the earliest maritime companies in New Zealand.

Later the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O) occupied the premises, followed by the Union Steamship Company.

Back to shipshape

The facade of the building was modified in 1953 and a third storey was added in 1971. By the time its restoration began in 2004 it was very run down.

Cooper and Company undertook an extensive refurbishment of the building, carried out by Cheshire Architects in consultation with heritage specialists Salmond Reed Architects.

The exterior was repaired and replastered, the lobby refurbished, the original steel-framed windows restored and extensive new glazing completed on the ground floor.

Today the ground floor is occupied by Quay Street Cafe, and the upper levels remain home to the offices of Cooper and Company.

Read more about the history of Britomart

IN THIS BUILDING

Ground floor
Quay Street Cafe

Levels 1-3
Cooper and Company

Location