The Strand Arcade
It was designed by John B. Spencer, assisted by Charles E. Fairfax; and built from 1890 to 1892 by Bignell and Clark (1891), with renovations completed by Stephenson & Turner (1976).
The only remaining arcade of its kind in Sydney, the property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 13 December 2011.
[1] Being three storeys high, the arcade has the traditional-styled protruding galleries, cedar staircases, tiled floors, cast iron balusters and timber framed shop fronts, under a prominent, tinted glass roof to reduce glare.
When the arcade opened in 1892, it was said to be the very latest in shopping centre designs and was described as, "The finest public thoroughfare in the Australian colonies".
Its lighter neo-classical fluted columns, delicate ironwork and carved balustrades contrasted with Rowe's heavier more stolid designs.
Retailers hosted free tasters, pop-up stalls, designer appearances and The Balvenie whisky tasting station.
The events recreate the energy of a majestic Victorian arcade over a three-day period, with a range of special deals, demonstrations.
The two suspended type hydraulic lifts were repaired, the golden cast iron balustrades were copied and the cedar baluster posts were made to match the handcrafted originals.
Cast iron balustrades and cedar balusters were handcrafted after original designs, and the two hydraulic lifts were restored.
[1][5] As at 23 August 2004, Designed in restrained Classic revival style, it is probably the finest of Sydney's shopping arcades built in the Victorian period, and the only one that has not been radically altered.
The best known work of Spencer and Fairfax, it adapted several favourite continental designs, the object being to achieve strength with elegance.
[1] The pedestrian-only precinct planning principle, and its design reveals European influences interpreted in an Australian context.
[5][1] The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.
The light and airy feeling was considered remarkable in contrast to Rowe's heavier designs in the context of the Sydney Victorian arcades.
[1] The Strand retains this aesthetic quality through the ornamental lacework panels, fluted columns and natural light.
[5][1] The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.
[1] The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.
[1] Part of the video for singer David Bowie's 1983 single "Let's Dance", took place in The Strand Arcade.Rose Howard (6 April 2017).
Retrieved 30 January 2022.
