Revamp for Leeds’ oldest arcade

THORNTONS Arcade – the oldest shopping centre in Leeds – is getting a much needed £30,000 facelift.

Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), the arcade's property manager, is commissioning work to improve the look of the historic shopping centre, which was opened around 130 years ago in 1878.

Over the next six months the three-storey, glass-roofed building will undergo a full superficial facelift, including a re-paint throughout, new Thornton's Arcade exterior banners and a new tenants' directory showing shoppers where stores are located.

The original moving, musical clock, made by William Potts & Sons of Leeds, which features four life-size characters from Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe, will be maintained by specialty clockmakers, Smiths of Derby.

Sally Faulkes, head of property management at LSH, said: ”

“Thornton's Arcade is considered a jewel in the crown of Leeds' fashion and culture, and a significant piece of the city's heritage.

“It's vital to keep these properties looking their absolute best and in keeping with the designs created back in the days when our great city as we know it was taking shape.””

Everton Campbell, from boutique clothing store Hip, who has been a tenant for the last 20 years, said when he first opened the arcade was like a dark alley way.

“Over the years more and more interesting, individual, independent shops have opened, giving it a quirky combination of the old and new,” he said.

“This delicate mix needs to be preserved and encouraged. This work is really going to restore Thornton's Arcade to its former glory – as one of the features of the Leeds shopping precinct.””

The new facelift is expected to give the prestigious Victoria Quarter a run for its money.

While the younger VQ has undisputedly cornered the market for top-of-the-line brands and designers, Thornton's Arcade has steadily cultivated its own reputation as being the shopping destination of choice for the younger, more hip and edgy fashion crowd in Leeds.

“”We have a two year waiting list for tenants due to the fact we have lower service charges than many of the equivalent shopping precincts in the city centre,” added Ms Faulkes.

“Our tenants are nearly all locally-based, boutique shop owners and these improvements will help them succeed especially now that the Corn Exchange is being turned into a gourmet food emporium.”

Work on the arcade will begin in early 2008 and the newly restored Thornton's Arcade will be launched in time for its 130th birthday celebrations early summer.