The Quadrant Arcade
A Cultural Comeback Story
CLIENT
Winston Group
Once a buzzing 1930’s arcade, The Quadrant was home to a thriving range of independent businesses.
Hit hard by the recession, vacancy rates had soared to a staggering 42% by 2014. Neglected interiors and dwindling footfall exacerbated the mounting problems. Recognising the need for drastic transformation, the Winston Group decided to take bold action and commissioned Things Made Public to utilise culture to turn around the fate of the arcade.
With a clear, community-led vision, we set out to return The Quadrant to its former Art Deco glory. Working alongside recent Havering College graduates, we revamped the arcade’s brand, interior and frontage. A month-long project, ‘Arcade Remade’ collaborated with 150 local students in a bid to support 9 of the arcade’s independent businesses in rebranding, marketing and visual merchandising.
Launching a competition to attract unique creative business ideas, we welcomed a vintage fashion shop, music recording studio and educational film hub into previously vacant units. Supported by a cutting-edge artist residency programme and high profile comedy nights, The Quadrant attracted a raft of national press.
The impact was swift and significant. In just two years, tenant occupancy shot to 95%. Travelodge invested in a new 65-room hotel, bar and café, while ITV’s ‘The Only Way is Essex’ launched ‘Lockies Kitchen,’ a popular eatery. The Mayor of London funded innovative shop front improvements and The Quadrant was honoured with the Innovation Award at the Havering Business Awards.
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