Restoration plan for city arcade

Thornton's Arcade, in Leeds, which dates back to 1877, will undergo work including the restoration of the faades and stonework, and installation of new external signage and lighting.

The famous Ivanhoe clock will also be maintained to preserve the figures made by Leeds artist John Wormald Appleyard and the mechanism by Leeds clock manufacturer William Potts & Son.

Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) is managing agent for the arcade.

James Millson, property manager at LSH's Leeds office, said: "Improving the look and feel of the external decoration will make a dramatic difference to the arcade, making it a much more pleasant environment for shoppers."

LSH's building consultancy team is advising the arcade's proprietors on the implementation of the work, acting as contract administrator and construction design and management coordinator.

Paul Hartrick, director of building consultancy at LSH's Leeds office, said: "Thornton's Arcade has a huge footfall and we are determined to ensure minimum disruption to shoppers during the works as well as ensuring that our client fully complies with its health and safety obligations."

The works are due to be carried out by Seddon Property Services and will be completed by August.