Victoria Gate Shopping Arcade
Architecture in Leeds (United Kingdom)
Typology : Retail arcade
Localisation : Leeds (United Kingdom)
Location : 2016
Area : 26 000 m2
Scope : concept + construction
Victoria Gate: a new commercial landmark in the heart of Leeds
Located to the east of Leeds city centre, Victoria Gate stands as a natural extension of the historic Victoria Quarter and the city’s main retail district. This ambitious development brings together a John Lewis department store, a multi-storey car park, and two shopping arcades featuring a mix of shops, restaurants, and leisure spaces—a dynamic ensemble reshaping the urban experience in central Leeds.
Architecture rooted in local heritage
The building’s architectural identity draws inspiration from the city’s rich heritage, particularly through the contemporary use of terracotta—a tribute to the iconic façades crafted by the Burmantofts Terracotta workshops. This material is reinterpreted in a modern way, forming a layered terracotta skin that evokes both the texture of woven textiles—a nod to Leeds’ industrial past—and the refined visual universe of John Lewis.
A contemporary reimagining of Victorian Arcades
The shopping arcades take the form of a double-level arcade topped by a sculptural glass roof, continuing the legacy of Leeds’ 19th-century arcades. A large casino, partly cantilevered and positioned above the arcades, creates a monumental four-storey façade on Eastgate, establishing a strong urban presence.
The external façades boldly reinterpret the brick and terracotta architecture of the surrounding urban fabric, using precast concrete panels clad in pleated brickwork. The rhythm and scale of the façade vary to harmonize with the local context.
Interiors inspired by textile heritage
Inside, the arcade design pays homage to Victorian elegance: curved glass, patterned stone flooring, and detailing inspired by the iconic herringbone motifs of Leeds wool fabrics enhance the spatial and sensory experience.
This project was developed while working as an Architect at ACME in London.
Awards:
- RIBA Yorkshire Award 2017
- RIBA Yorkshire Building of the Year 2017