Celebration as Victorian Arcade units fully occupied
THE owner of the iconic Victorian Arcade has hailed its growing success as a ‘rejuvenation’ of trading in the town centre.
Businessman and owner Tariq Aslam told the Observer that his plans are finally coming to fruition with every unit filled as of this week.
The Grade II-listed building in Accrington – which is believed to be the first indoor shopping arcade of its kind in the country – was taken over by TNR Developments Ltd in October 2013.
Mr Aslam said: “Looking into Accrington two years ago, the arcade was visibly different but things now have rejuvenated and we’ve been getting people back. Accrington is unfortunately a bit of a gloomy place at the moment but this is something really positive there.”
Mr Aslam, who also runs the Paxton Mill Accident Repair Centre on Willows Lane in Accrington, says they have a host of ‘unique’ traders joining the arcade.
He said: “We’re getting a different kind of business that are unique - like the darts shop, the vinyl shop – and because they’re unique people are coming in specifically for that, and also enjoying the architecture.”
The turning point for the arcade was down to the installation of new secure electric doors, according to Mr Aslam.
The 48-year-old said: “The doors have made the building more secure and also it protects the arcade from the elements.
“Before the doors we had our works unit broken into twice, people just used to use it as a short cut to get through from Church Street to Abbey Street but now it’s created a different environment, more of a cosmopolitan indoor feel.”
Mr Aslam, who has lived in Accrington for more than 20 years, says that he next intends to renovate the offices above the arcade into town centre apartments.
He said: “It’s a labour of love. From where we took over the building, which was back in October 2013, it’s a huge achievement.
“I am glad that we didn’t give up and we have got to where we are now and can see the results.
“Hopefully we have got the arcade to a new level. Everybody’s absolutely buzzing.”
Looking forward, Mr Aslam plans to celebrate a ‘Dickensian’ Christmas in the arcade with a living 20ft tree taking pride of