Market Arcade, Newport

Market Arcade (Welsh: Arcdêd y Farchnad) is a city centre Victorian shopping arcade in Newport, Wales. It also serves as a pedestrian route between High Street and Newport Market.

Market Arcade
Arcdêd y Farchnad
Image of the entrance of the arcade, as seen from High Street
The High Street entrance to the Arcade, shown post-renovation
Map
Former namesFennell's Arcade
Flower Arcade
General information
StatusRenovated (2022)[1]
TypeArcade
Architectural styleVictorian
ClassificationGrade II listed building[1]
LocationNewport city centre
AddressMarket Arcade, NP20 1FS
Town or cityNewport
CountryWales
Coordinates51°35′22″N 2°59′48″W / 51.58943°N 2.996657°W / 51.58943; -2.996657
Opened1869; 155 years ago (1869)
Renovated1905; 119 years ago (1905)
2022[1]
Renovation cost£1.1 million[1]
Renovating team
Architect(s)Davies Sutton Architects
Renovating firmAnthony A. Davies Ltd
Other information
Public transit accessNewport railway station
Website
Market Arcade site

It is the second oldest Victorian arcade still in operation in Wales, the oldest in Newport, and one of the oldest in the UK.[1]

History

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The Arcade opened in 1869 when it opened as Fennell's Arcade.[1] It became known as Flowers Arcade in the early 20th century, reflecting the businesses that were present.[2] In the 2000s, prior to renovation, the arcade was unlit, in structural decline, and it was the site of regular anti-social behaviour[3] 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.[4]

Renovation

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Newport City Council obtained National Lottery Heritage funding in 2018 for a £1.1 million renovation of the Arcade.[1] The project was awarded to contractors Anthony A Davies and heritage architects Davies Sutton.[5] The renovation was affected by the COVID-19 outbreak which pushed back work by contractors Anthony A. Davies until June 2020.[1] It began a phased reopening throughout 2021, first with weekday openings and European Heritage Days tours taking place for local schools and community groups.[1] Exterior scaffolding was removed in December 2021 and a completion date was set for January 2022.[6]

Occupants

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The Arcade consists of a number of freeholds with separate owners. A number of buildings are leased to occupiers.[7] It is currently set to open as a mix of offices, co-working spaces, and traditional retail units.[8][1]

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "This is how you can take a behind the scenes tour of Newport's Market Arcade". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
  2. ^ "Market Arcade | Newport City Council". www.newport.gov.uk. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
  3. ^ Day, Liz (2020-07-17). "Armed police confronted man with knife in city centre arcade". WalesOnline. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
  4. ^ "Market Arcade PSPO | Newport City Council". www.newport.gov.uk. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
  5. ^ O'Neill, Ryan (2020-02-07). "City's historic shopping arcade set for £1.1 million revamp". WalesOnline. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
  6. ^ "Look inside: Newport's Market Arcade restoration nearly finished". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 2022-01-19.
  7. ^ Newport Market Arcade - Restoration in Action, retrieved 2022-01-19
  8. ^ "Newport renovation projects take shape as senior figures visit for tour". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 2022-01-19.

See also

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