Westgate Arcade

A glass roof, mosaic thresholds, upper galleries and nearly a century of independent trading: Westgate Arcade is one of Peterborough city centre's most characterful survivors, joining two ancient streets while giving local businesses room to be discovered.

Westgate and Cumbergate are ancient streets, but their original alignment was less than convenient. Until the 1920s, Cumbergate turned sharply into Long Causeway rather than continuing through to Westgate. Architect Alan Ruddle and Fitzwilliam Estates created the arcade by cutting a new pedestrian route through the yards and outbuildings between them.

Built in 1927–28 and opened in spring 1929, Westgate Arcade arrived late in the great European tradition of covered shopping passages. Its scale may be restrained, but its architecture is full of detail: a peaked glass roof, hardwood shopfronts, recessed entrances, mosaic thresholds and upper galleries divided by elegant columns and arches.

The arcade has adapted without losing its identity. When Queensgate Shopping Centre opened in 1982, it incorporated the old route rather than removing it. Visitors can still pass almost seamlessly from a large modern shopping centre into a more intimate 1920s arcade where individual shopfronts and personal service set the pace.

Today's businesses reflect Peterborough's varied independent economy. Fashion and occasion wear sit alongside children's footwear, beauty specialists, an optician, alterations, technology services and professional advice. Fresh produce, fish, international groceries and confectionery give the arcade the useful, everyday character of a traditional shopping street.

Westgate has also made its own contribution to the city's traditions. In 1963, the Arcade Tenants' Association installed illuminated angels said to have previously hung over Regent Street, giving Peterborough its first city-centre Christmas lights. Four years later, 88 rings stolen from the arcade jeweller were anonymously returned to the local newspaper with a note reading simply: “Sorry, drunk.”

An extensive refurbishment in 2015 restored the arcade's architectural details. More recently, colourful illustrations by artist Laura Bryant brought Peterborough landmarks including the Cathedral and Lido into vacant shop windows. Approaching the centenaries of its construction in 2027 and opening in 2029, Westgate remains both a shopping destination and a small-business landmark.