Market Arcade, Newport
It is the second oldest Victorian arcade still in operation in Wales, the oldest in Newport, and one of the oldest in the UK.
History
The Arcade opened in 1869 when it opened as Fennell's Arcade. It became known as Flowers Arcade in the early 20th century, reflecting the businesses that were present. In the 2000s, prior to renovation, the arcade was unlit, in structural decline, and it was the site of regular anti-social behaviour and damage. In November 2020 a public space protection order was put in place to enable police to restrict access at certain times, and issue fines of up to £1,000.
Renovation
Newport City Council obtained National Lottery Heritage funding in 2018 for a £1.1 million renovation of the Arcade. The project was awarded to contractors Anthony A Davies and heritage architects Davies Sutton. The renovation was affected by the COVID-19 outbreak which pushed back work by contractors Anthony A. Davies until June 2020. It began a phased reopening throughout 2021, first with weekday openings and European Heritage Days tours taking place for local schools and community groups. Exterior scaffolding was removed in December 2021 and a completion date was set for January 2022.
Occupants
The Arcade consists of a number of freeholds with separate owners. A number of buildings are leased to occupiers. It is currently set to open as a mix of offices, co-working spaces, and traditional retail units.
Gallery
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Market Arcade, including entrance blocks in Market Street & High Street
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Northern entrance to Market Arcade, Newport
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Market Arcade looking towards a side entrance of Newport Indoor Market
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Market Arcade in a run down condition
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Market Arcade in 2020, when renovation was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic
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The signage adorning the High Street side entrance in 2022
References
- ^ "This is how you can take a behind the scenes tour of Newport's Market Arcade". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
- ^ "Market Arcade | Newport City Council". www.newport.gov.uk. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
- ^ Day, Liz (2020-07-17). "Armed police confronted man with knife in city centre arcade". WalesOnline. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
- ^ "Market Arcade PSPO | Newport City Council". www.newport.gov.uk. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
- ^ O'Neill, Ryan (2020-02-07). "City's historic shopping arcade set for £1.1 million revamp". WalesOnline. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
- ^ "Look inside: Newport's Market Arcade restoration nearly finished". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
- ^ Newport Market Arcade - Restoration in Action, retrieved 2022-01-19
- ^ "Newport renovation projects take shape as senior figures visit for tour". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 2022-01-19.