Central Arcade

Welcome to the Central Arcade, a building so exquisite that many visitors feel as though they have stepped into a secular cathedral rather than a commercial passage. Located within the historic Central Exchange building, this…

We begin our detailed exploration at the Grey Street entrance. This entry point is framed by the massive, curved facade of the Central Exchange building, a structure that once housed a corn exchange, a newsroom, and an art…

As we walk deeper into the arcade, the most striking feature is undoubtedly the extensive use of Burmantofts faience. This decorative glazed tile covers almost every surface of the interior walls, from the base of the arches to…

No discussion of the Central Arcade is complete without mentioning JG Windows. Established in 1908, just two years after the arcade's reconstruction, this music shop is as much a part of the building's identity as the tiles…

Look up and appreciate the crowning glory of the Central Arcade: its magnificent glass and iron roof. This structure is a marvel of early 20th-century engineering, designed to flood the interior with natural light and create an…

The Central Arcade has always been a home for 'fancy' and specialized retail. Beyond JG Windows, the arcade hosts a variety of boutiques that offer everything from high-end fashion to bespoke gifts and gourmet food. …

As we conclude our tour of the Central Arcade, take one final look at the sweeping arches and the shimmering tiles. This building is a rare survivor, a piece of Edwardian optimism that continues to function as a vital and…