Silver Arcade facts for kids
The Silver Arcade is a special old building located right in the heart of Leicester, England. It's known as a Grade II listed building, which means it's officially recognized as an important historical place that needs to be protected. This amazing building was once a busy shopping arcade, a place where many different shops were gathered under one roof.
The Silver Arcade was built a long time ago in 1889 by a person named Amos Hall. For many years, it was a popular spot for shoppers. However, in 2000, the top floor of the arcade was closed off. This left only the shops on the ground floor open, which were home to several unique, independent stores.
In 2008, people who cared about Leicester's history, like the Leicester Civic Society, started a campaign. They wanted to see the Silver Arcade fully reopened and brought back to its former glory. Later, in 2010, there were exciting plans announced to reopen the upper floors. More recently, in 2019, new ideas came up to change two of the building's floors into modern office spaces.
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What is the Silver Arcade?
The Silver Arcade is a historic building in Leicester, England. It was originally designed as a shopping arcade. Imagine a covered street with shops on both sides! It's a great example of Victorian architecture. Being a Grade II listed building means it has special historical or architectural importance. This protection helps make sure the building is kept safe for future generations.
Who Built the Silver Arcade?
The Silver Arcade was built by a person named Amos Hall. He completed this impressive project in 1889. At that time, shopping arcades were quite popular. They offered a comfortable and stylish place for people to shop, away from the weather. Amos Hall's design created a beautiful space that has stood for over a century.
Why is the Silver Arcade Important?
The Silver Arcade is important for a few reasons. First, it's a significant piece of Leicester's history. It shows how people shopped and spent their time in the late 1800s. Second, its architecture is very special. The building's design and features are typical of its time. Lastly, it represents a community effort. Groups like the Leicester Civic Society have worked hard to preserve it. They want to ensure this historic landmark continues to be a part of the city's future.
What Happened to the Silver Arcade?
Over the years, the Silver Arcade has seen many changes. In 2000, the upper levels of the arcade were closed to the public. This meant that only the ground floor shops remained open. These shops were often small, independent businesses. They added a unique charm to the city centre.
Efforts to Reopen the Arcade
People in Leicester really missed the full arcade. In 2008, the Leicester Civic Society started a campaign. They wanted to see the entire building, including the top floors, reopened. Their goal was to bring back the arcade's original purpose as a vibrant shopping area.
Future Plans for the Building
Following the campaigns, new plans began to emerge. In 2010, there was talk about reopening the upper floors. This gave hope that the arcade might become a busy shopping spot again. More recently, in 2019, different plans were announced. These plans suggested converting two floors of the building into office spaces. This would give the historic building a new use while still preserving its structure.
