£500,000 facelift

A special landmark in the world’s first Garden City has just received a £500,000 makeover!

In 1996, the Heritage Foundation bought the popular indoor shopping precinct The Arcade in the heart of the town centre and undertook a major refurbishment the following year, which included a new roof, repainting, a new entrance out to The Wynd and improved signage.

Now, some 13 years on and with The Arcade having a direct link to the proposed new Wynd re-development, the facelift was completed this week.

Consultants Design Interface produced a scheme with the specific aim of retaining the traditional charm of The Arcade, but incorporating a fresh, inviting look for both retailers and shoppers.

The refurbishment included;

• improving the visibility of The Arcade, with canopies at Leys Avenue and Station Road.
• incorporating seating and planting
• introducing a new lighting scheme
• a new decorative colour palette
• improving signage
• Replacing the existing concrete paving with tiles.

Stuart Kenny, the Heritage Foundation’s Director General, said: “I am delighted with the improvement to The Arcade following the refurbishment. My thanks got to the retailers who we consulted on our proposals and who have been hugely supportive throughout.”