Old Bank Arcade

Old Bank Arcade, built in 1901 by Thomas Turnbull, now has a great food court and upmarket stores is located on Lambton Quay. The Arcade is unmissable due to its elaborate nineteenth century facade.  The Old Bank Arcade is part of the intriguing story of the Plimmer’s Ark. The remains of the hull timbers of the ship Inconstant were discovered during renovations. The vessel had foundered at the entrance of Wellington Harbour in 1849. Businessman John Plimmer had salvaged it and beached it at the southern end of Lambton Quay. It became a warehouse and was soon dubbed Plimmer’s Ark. The ship’s remains were a major find that captured the public’s imagination. A piece of history was restored.