Arcade Chambers

A Victorian arcade has been revived after a major restoration using expertise from period window specialist, Ventrolla.

The Grade II listed Arcade Chambers in Keighley, West Yorkshire, underwent extensive repairs including the refurbishment of all 41 windows in its front facade.

The £725,000 project was part of the Keighley Townscape Heritage Initiative, which is a £2.7 million grant scheme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Bradford Council, with match funding from the property owner. The arcade features shops and a café, where the former offices above have been converted into 13 apartments.

The North Street building dates from 1898 when Keighley was a thriving textile town. Ventrolla was called upon for its knowledge to retain the original sash windows. The windows were renovated with the specialist’s patented Sash Removal System (SRS).

The unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) was then fitted to combat draughts and reduce external noise. The sash cords were replaced, pulleys serviced and sashes correctly balanced to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the windows. Sue Oakley, Keighley Townscape Heritage Initiative Officer, said:

“Our remit is to restore historic buildings and bring vacant floor space back into use. This important project to bring the Arcade back to life and help regenerate the North Street and Church Street area of the town had to be carried out sensitively.”

“We chose Ventrolla to work on the front façade windows because of its specialist expertise and cost effective products.  The windows were in a fairly good condition but they needed a general overhaul, new ironmongery, repainting and new cords.

“Ventrolla delivered a great job on time and on budget and we now have windows which look and work so much better. I would certainly recommend Ventrolla for other restoration projects.”