The Stirling Arcade

News and events

NEWS - PRESS RELEASES

May 21st 2010 - New Bridal Boutique

We are delighted to announce the opening of a new exclusive boutique, Alison Kirk Bridal on the 27th May 2010.

Alison Kirk bridal stock a wide range of luxury bridal gowns from leading designers including Ella, Justin Alexander and Alfred Sung.
 
The boutique will celebrate the launch with a fashion show at 5.30pm on the 27th May 2010 where one lucky bride-to-be will win a wedding dress. 

May 29th 2009 - Stirling Arcade’s Revival Plans unwrapped

About 40 guests, including Provost Fergus Wood and a number of Councillors, gathered in the Stirling Arcade last Wednesday evening (May 27) for a reception hosted by the owners to hear about their plans for the building's future. A diverse range of businesses and organisations were represented, including tourism agencies, historical groups, the local Community Council and Stirling University.

The owners have a three-phase development plan for the Arcade. The first phase, successfully completed at the end of last year, involved the complete refurbishment of the interior and the creation of a new Arcade brand. Phases 2 and 3 will focus on the exterior facades and entrances, then the upper floors and Alhambra Theatre.

Stirling Provost, Fergus Wood said: "I'm delighted to support the revival of Stirling's hidden gem. Much work has already been undertaken to preserve this important piece of the city's heritage. The final phase will see the restoration of the old Alhambra Theatre creating a venue that is unique and special to this city.

Andy Kennedy, Stirling's City Centre Manager, described the Arcade - one of only five in Scotland - as a key city centre asset and an important link between the old part of the city and the new at Forthside.

He added: "The Stirling Arcade is unique and contributes to the ever developing mix of built and natural ingredients that will be needed to ensure Stirling city centre is economically successful in the future. It is for that reason that everybody should support the revival of the Arcade being undertaken by the new owners.

Kevin Moore, one of the Arcade's owners, said: "Our ambition is to work with an end user for the Alhambra which generates new life into this space and simultaneously pulls visitors into the Arcade in general. Possible uses we've looked at include a social space for conferences, weddings, displays and gatherings - but we are receptive to any ideas which you or the Stirling public may have."

April 29th 2009 - Stirling Arcade Archive to be compiled – Appeal for material

The Stirling Arcade and Stirling Local History Society are working together to compile a comprehensive history of the Arcade. The joint venture project, which is expected to take about a year to complete, aims to collect as much information as possible about the landmark city centre building and create a permanent exhibition telling the Arcade’s story. The exhibition will be located within the Arcade itself and serve as an attraction to both Stirling residents and visitors.

Chairman of the Stirling Local History Society, Dr Alastair Durie: “The Stirling Arcade, a magnificent complex nearly 130 years old, is in the process of being sympathetically restored. Development is not always friendly to heritage, but in this case we are delighted that the current owners have recognised the Arcade’s unique history and are willing to invest time and resources in the creation of a comprehensive archive. We look forward to working with them on what I am sure will be a very interesting and worthwhile project.”

The project team’s research will cover both the Arcade itself – its many shops, tenants and personalities – and the Alhambra Theatre, which is housed within the Arcade on the second and third floors. The theatre once served as Stirling’s town hall and in its heyday played host to many well-known music hall artists. It later became a cinema but closed down around the time of the Second World War.

Kevin Moore, one of the owners of the Arcade, said, “Our aim is to produce a complete story of the Stirling Arcade’s life. If anyone has anything they think might be relevant to this project – photos, articles, anecdotal stories, tickets or programmes for the Alhambra, any kind of paraphernalia – then we would be delighted to hear from them.”

The person to contact is Rosie McLaren, The Stirling Arcade’s PR Manager on 01259 211414 or email: pr@stirlingarcade.com

November 17th 2008 - Commitment is key to future of Stirling Arcade

Owners of the Stirling Arcade, local businessmen Gordon Snowie and Kevin Moore, have outlined their vision for the Arcade's future and pledged their total commitment to seeing it become a thriving part of the city centre.

Since joining forces as the Arcade's owners about 18 months ago, Mr Snowie and Mr Moore have already invested more than £500,000 in refurbishment - on redecoration and signage, new flooring and lighting inside the Arcade. The next phase of development, scheduled to start soon, will focus on the two entrances and involve restoring the facades and stonework and installing new external signage and lighting.

"This is just the beginning, the groundwork," said Mr Moore. "Since completing the internal refurbishment, we've managed to attract some new outlets to complement the businesses that were there before and the Arcade now houses a diverse range of retailers and services. We're working hard to make it an attractive, thriving shopping location."

But the owners have a vision for the Arcade which goes beyond retail alone. They want to see it become a vibrant part of the city centre. The historical Arcade has three floors and houses the former Alhambra Theatre, which, following years of lack of attention and investment, the current owners intend to see restored to its former glory.

"Proposed developments won't happen overnight," said Mr Moore, "But I wish to stress that we are in this project for the duration and will see it through to completion. We're fortunate to have superb tenants who are all proud of the Arcade and are working hard together to see it flourish. The people of Stirling and the surrounding districts will play a vital part in the Arcade's future. Everyone we speak to says how beautiful the building is. They all have childhood memories of it and recall some of the special shops it's had over the years."

"The Arcade is part of the old town. It's part of the city's heritage. It is a beautiful almost forgotten gem in the heart of the city and it holds a special place in local peoples' hearts. Everyone we speak to wants to see it succeed."

EVENTS

Looking for a unique and special venue for your event?

The Stirling Arcade could just be the perfect city centre location for you. If you would like to find out more about our event facilities at The Stirling Arcade, please get in touch.

Previous events at The Stirling Arcade can be seen at: Movie.com.tv.