Quinns Arcade was built in 1906 by William Quinn designed as an indoor shopping arcade to service the residents of Waimate.  Approximately 300,000 bricks of varying designs formed the arcade which ran from High to Grigson Streets with about twelve small shops.

Unfortunately the shopping arcade wasn't successful and in 1918 it was remodeled into a movie theatre and billiards hall - the theatre opened on 20 March 1920.  The theatre was ornately plastered, with plush red velvet trimings - seating 175 in the dress circle and 550 in the stalls - the theatre continued to operate successfully until a disastrous fire occured on June 29, 1955 - since that time the arcade has been used for a range of shops and storage.

The Arcade is currently registered with the Historic Places Trust as a category II building.

William Quinn was a very successful businessman who established Quinns Brick Works at Makikihi - Quinn bricks have been used in many notable buildings in Waimate and Timaru and are know to be of very high quality.