The Dark Arches in Leeds is a well known part of the city, they were first constructed to support Leeds Railway Station, it's a network of brick arches with the River Aire running through them. The project was first completed in 1869 and built using more than 18 million bricks and stone.
There were several businesses underneath the arches in days gone by, these included; restaurants, shops, boutiques, cafes, a bakery, exhibition spaces, and a 1,000-capacity events venue. The former Arches shopping centre was hit by decline and has since become a car park.
The area has fallen to the wayside in recent times and for years it has not been used to its full potential. Many people have said that the arches seem "desolate" and without a cause. Once upon a time there was an almost "bazaar" with arts and craft stalls and the smell of fragrance travelling through the air.
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However, construction work has been ongoing for some time to create a newly refreshed space. Work is ongoing to reconstruct the road down the archway and hopefully regenerate the area between Leeds station and Granary Wharf.
Granary Wharf has various bars and restaurants leading out towards Leeds Dock, on the arches, there are a couple but it is mostly the odd off-licence and resident parking.
One person, who works in an office nearby said: "It's not looked like it did for a long time, the area used to be thriving, now it's just a tricky place to walk down, and there are rough sleepers using it for shelter which is sad to see really."
As well as a new road surface with parking restrictions, the walkway at either side is being remodelled. Taking a visit to the arches, we found that it is well on its way.
Despite the long rows of metal fencing and the constant noise of building equipment, the arches still have their glow. The lights from the ceiling provide a nice ambience whilst the smell of the River Aire washes underneath.
Back in 2017, new images were released to show a remodelled Leeds station, along with this there are ongoing works to improve the city centre's road network, much to some people's annoyance. The arches are expected to receive new retail and leisure spaces.
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