Leeds' historic Thornton’s Arcade is receiving a major facelift this summer, breathing new life into the city’s oldest, and arguably most famous, shopping complex.

Our Building Consultancy team is advising the arcade’s proprietors on the implementation of the works, acting as contract administrator and CDM Coordinator.

Restoring and preserving historic buildings

The planned improvements to the arcade, which dates back to 1877, are designed to create a more attractive shopping environment. It includes the restoration of the facades and stonework, and installation of new external signage and lighting. 

The famous Ivanhoe clock will also be maintained to ensure the figures made by Leeds artist John Wormald Appleyard and the mechanism by famous Leeds clock manufacturer William Potts & Son are preserved in top condition.

James Millson, property manager in our Leeds office, said: "Improving the look and feel of the external decoration will make a dramatic difference to arcade, making it a much more pleasant environment for shoppers.”

Managing complex projects in public surroundings

Jonathan Nellar, Director of Building Consultancy in Leeds, said: “The project showcases our ability to manage complex projects in highly public surroundings.  The Arcade has a huge footfall and we need to ensure minimum disruption to shoppers during the works, as well as ensuring our client fully complies with its health and safety obligations.”

The works are due to be carried out by Seddon Property Services and will be complete by August 2010.