St James Theatre is registered as a category 1 building with Heritage New Zealand.

The interior has influences from both Victorian and Edwardian theatres and more modern American movie palaces.

[2] St James Theatre was constructed in 1928 to replace the Wellesley Street Fullers' Opera House which had burnt down 2 years prior.

In 1929 projection facilities were added and the theatre started to screen films alongside stage performances.

[1] In 1953, the building's facade and vestibule underwent renovation for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's visit to New Zealand.

In 2010 St James Saviours was established as a group to lobby for the restoration of the theatre.