Central Arcade

Central Arcade is a covered shopping passage in Wrexham built from red brick with terracotta trim and a glazed glass roof spanning between Hope Street and the Butcher's Market. The structure contains retail spaces arranged across multiple levels, creating a sheltered route through the city center.

The arcade was designed by architect A. C. Baugh and opened in 1891 with 18 shops operating under its protective roof, becoming a major shopping destination. Interior alterations were made during the 1930s to accommodate a Woolworths store, reflecting changing retail patterns of the era.

The arcade served as a gathering place for shopping and social life in the 19th century, reflecting how people conducted daily commerce. The interior passages and shop windows still function as meeting points where locals and visitors move through the spaces as they did generations ago.

The arcade provides a covered route between two busy streets, making it useful to walk through during bad weather. Multiple shops and levels mean you should allow time to explore the full extent of the passage if you want to see all the shops on offer.

Recent planning discussions have examined converting upper floors into homes, showing how historic arcades adapt to meet modern housing needs while preserving their character. This approach transforms the space from daytime retail use into a round-the-clock community hub.