Grand Arcade
Shopping Center | Cambridge | England | United Kingdom
Shopping center in Cambridge
The Grand Arcade Shopping Centre in Cambridge, England, is one of the leading shopping centers in the region and a central part of Cambridge's city center. It opened on March 27, 2008, and spans a retail area of approximately 40,000 square meters across two light-filled floors. The center is part of a larger development project that also included the redevelopment of the adjacent Lion Yard Shopping Centre, whose car park was demolished and replaced with a new structure. Grand Arcade was built on a 2.8-hectare site that previously allowed for the largest archaeological excavation in the city's history and integrates historical building facades along St Andrew’s Street into its modern design. Each year, the center attracts millions of visitors and is considered one of the most significant shopping destinations in East England.
Best shops in Cambridge
The shopping offerings at Grand Arcade include over 60 stores, featuring a mix of premium brands and well-known high street chains. The main retailer is John Lewis & Partners, a renowned department store that was previously known as Robert Sayle and reopened in November 2007 after a comprehensive renovation, even before the completion of the rest of the center. Other prominent brands include Apple, Topshop, River Island, Hollister, Victoria’s Secret PINK, The White Company, Hobbs, and Russell & Bromley. Outside the main building, along St Andrew’s Street, boutiques such as Ted Baker and Links of London complement the offerings. This variety makes the center attractive to a wide audience, from fashion-conscious shoppers to those looking for high-quality home goods or technology.
Modern architecture shopping center
In addition to shopping, Grand Arcade also offers a selection of dining options. Visitors can relax in cafés like Starbucks and Costa Coffee or enjoy a snack at Krispy Kreme. For a full meal, there are restaurants such as Carluccio’s, which offers authentic Italian cuisine, as well as the brasserie in John Lewis and options like Ed’s Easy Diner or Honest Burger. These dining offerings contribute to the center being not just a place for shopping but also a hub for social activities. Its proximity to Cambridge's historic landmarks, such as the university colleges, also makes it an ideal starting point for visitors who want to combine shopping with sightseeing.
Dining options in shopping center
The architecture of Grand Arcade is modern and impressive, featuring a distinctive glass roof that spans the two main arcades, allowing natural light to flow inside while creating a starry atmosphere at night. The design was created by the architectural firm Chapman Taylor and combines high-quality materials such as stone, glass, steel, and wood, reflecting the timeless elegance of the surrounding city. The center is designed to provide generous, open spaces that facilitate a pleasant shopping experience. It includes one of the first purpose-built cycle parks for a shopping center in the UK, which accommodates over 500 bike spaces and includes a bike shop, compensating for the loss of bike parking in the downtown area.
Shopping and sightseeing Cambridge
Grand Arcade is well connected to the transport network. It features a multi-story car park with shopmobility facilities and is located near Park & Ride stops as well as the Guided Bus Service. Cambridge railway station is just a short walk away, making it easy to access by public transport. This accessibility has contributed to the center being attractive not only to the local population but also to visitors from the region.
Throughout its history, Grand Arcade has received numerous awards, including the “Best of the Best” Award from the International Council of Shopping Centres for its advertising campaign “Architects of Fashion” at its launch and first Christmas season. It supports local initiatives such as the Cambridge Breast Cancer Appeal through annual fashion shows and collaborates with organizations like the Cambridge Science Festival to engage the community. Regular events, such as festive Christmas programs with lights and performances by local groups, enhance its role as a social gathering place.
