Victorian Arcade

The Victorian Arcade is a listed shopping building in Walsall with a T-shaped floor plan featuring an octagonal central space beneath a glazed dome. Barrel-vaulted glass roof sections cover portions of the arcade, with red brick walls, painted stone trim, and cast iron railings defining its structure.

Built between 1895 and 1897 by architect Jonathon Ellis, this building replaced an earlier medieval market structure that once occupied the site. Its construction reflected late 1800s efforts to modernize urban shopping and create dedicated commercial spaces for the growing city.

The building's name reflects the era of its construction, with red brick and timber details showing how 1890s design principles shaped local commerce. The cast iron work and glass roof demonstrate the period's optimism about retail spaces and urban shopping culture.

Multiple street entrances from Bradford Street, Lower Hall Lane, and Digbeth Street provide easy access to explore the different sections and levels within the building. The connecting passages allow visitors to move through the space and discover retail areas and balcony sections at their own pace.

Five main bays along Bradford Street are separated by pilasters that lead upward to a balcony level featuring cast iron panels with stylized leaf patterns. These ornamental details showcase the quality of the original craftsmanship and reward close attention during a visit.