The historic Leeds Grand Arcade has had somewhat of a makeover in recent times. The Grade II-listed Victorian shopping arcade has been transformed into a vibrant new retail space that has given many independent retailers new space to sell their products and services to the people of the city of Leeds.
The Victorian architecture of the Grand Arcade identifies it as one of the oldest and most unique retail spaces in the city, with a stunning glass roof, arched windows, open beams and wooden floors. The venue was crying out for new local residents to take advantage of this beautiful architectural retail space.
The Grand Arcade was built over 100 years ago, back in 1897 with the beautiful animated clock installed two years later by Wm Potts & Sons of Leeds. After a Save The Clock campaign with funds raised by shoppers and Grand Arcade residents, the clock has finally been re-furbished.
It was unveiled in 2013 by the Lord Mayor of Leeds at a grand launch event as people turned out to see the old clock chime again for the first time in over 30 years! The clock sits above the main entrance to the arcade on Vicar Lane, a few yards from the Grand Theatre and marks the distinctive features of this shopping arcade.
Property developers, ATC Properties Ltd have invested over £1m in the building over the last year and re-developed the arcade into a new retail space for local start-up businesses. With chain stores and restaurants taking up many a retail space across most towns and cities across the UK, the arcade offers independent local businesses opportunities to sell their products in high-profile locations at welcome affordable rates.
Stay local, shop local
The re-launch of this historic retail area has helped the arcade to go from just 30% capacity to near full capacity in the past 12 months and being at the heart of what is being dubbed the city’s new ‘Northern Quarter’ a bright future is on the horizon as expansion continues from the recent development of the Leeds Arena and planned further development of a John Lewis and Marks & Spencer stores opening in the next three years in the area.
We want to encourage the people of Leeds to support their local businesses wherever they can and revisit the arcade again. All our residents are local, start-up businesses, some with their first foot on the retail ladder offering a wide collection of products and services from talented professionals from artists, designers, creators and foodies!
Our current retailers
The Grand Arcade is the place to find what you’re looking for. Our current retailers offer a wide range of products and services, and are near to bringing the Grand Arcade to near full capacity for the first time in a decade.