The historic Victoria Station Arcade in London has reopened following a £1.5 million restoration project. Originally built in the early 1900s as part of the Metropolitan District Railway, the arcade has been lovingly restored by Places for London, the property arm of Transport for London (TfL).
Skilled craftspeople meticulously restored the arcade’s heritage mouldings, stonework, and plasterwork. Edwardian-style shopfronts and period-appropriate lighting were installed to return the arcade to its former glory. The restoration project also reintroduced a historic District Railway colour scheme, enhancing the arcade’s original design.
Designed by architect duo George and Frank Sherrin, the Victoria Station Arcade fell into decline in the 1970s, with many of its architectural features being removed or damaged. However, in 2014, Historic England awarded the arcade Grade II listed status, and restoration efforts began soon after.
Key features of the arcade include the restored 1920s concrete canopy on Victoria Street and the 1930s London Transport bronze and blue enamel-framed panels. Replicas of twin-armed globe luminaires were created to match the originals, and one of the shopfronts has retained its 1930s art Deco sunburst glasswork.
Samantha Bain-Mollison, head of retail at Places for London, commented: “We are proud to be bringing new life to the arcade and look forward to seeing visitors enjoy this unique retail offer in the heart of Victoria. Our restoration work is a testament to Places for London’s dedication to celebrating the city’s transport history while providing visitors, workers, and residents with authentic and thriving retail spaces.
The arcade now hosts seven retail units, with tenants already beginning to move in. More retailers are expected to join in the coming months. Places for London is committed to investing more than £300 million over the next decade to upgrade and expand its retail spaces, with 95% of its retail estate comprised of small and medium-sized businesses.
As part of Open House London on September 21, the arcade will offer talks every half hour, providing visitors with insights into the arcade’s rich history and architectural significance.
This restoration marks another step in Places for London’s ongoing efforts to revive historic retail spaces across the capital, supporting independent businesses and helping retail in London thrive for years to come.
