A MAKEOVER costing half a million pounds has transformed the look of The Arcade in Letchworth GC. It was in 1996 when Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation bought the popular covered shopping precinct in the heart of the town centre and undertook a m

A MAKEOVER costing half a million pounds has transformed the look of The Arcade in Letchworth GC.

It was in 1996 when Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation bought the popular covered shopping precinct in the heart of the town centre and undertook a major refurbishment the following year.

This included a new roof, repainting, a new entrance out to The Wynd and improved signage.

Now, 12 years on and with The Arcade having a direct link to the proposed new Wynd redevelopment, the new facelift was completed on Friday.

Consultants Design Interface produced a scheme with the specific aim of retaining the traditional charm of The Arcade, but incorporating a fresh, inviting look for both retailers and shoppers.

The refurbishment included improving the visibility of The Arcade, with canopies at Leys Avenue and Station Road, incorporating seating and planting, introducing a new lighting scheme, a new decorative colour palette, improving signage and replacing the existing concrete paving with tiles.

Stuart Kenny, the Heritage Foundation's director general, said: "I am delighted with the improvement to The Arcade following the refurbishment. My thanks go to the retailers who we consulted on our proposals and who have been hugely supportive throughout.