The Strand Arcade

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The Strand Arcade is a historic shopping arcade in the heart of the Sydney central business district. The Strand Arcade is located between Pitt Street Mall and George Street in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

[edit] History

When 'The Strand' opened in 1892 it was the fifth and the last of the arcades built in Victorian Sydney. Today it is the only one remaining in its original form.

Sydney was a Victorian city in 1892. Grandeur and elegance was the style of the day as the city’s architects created landmarks that echoed the familiar traditions of hometown London.

In the earlier period of its construction the Arcade was referred to as the ‘City Arcade’ and sometimes known as ‘Arcade Street’. In 1981 it was finally it was named after the famous London Street that links the city of London and the city of Westminster. The Strand was London’s smartest theatre, hotel and shopping street in the early 1900s.

By renaming it The Strand, the grand new promenade became synonymous with the famous Strand in London and its elegant tradition of fashionable shopping. This image has endured. Today it remains a stylish city landmark and is home to some of Sydney’s most fashionable and original stores.

Sydney’s Strand Arcade has survived two depressions (one in the 1890s and the other in the 1930s) and withstood the threat of two major fires.

The Strand has traded as a unique shopping centre for over 100 years and continues to shine with all its glory in the 21st century.

The Strand is Sydney’s epicentre of style and design, housing many of Australia’s top designer labels,such as Alannah Hill, The Corner Shop, Alex Perry, Jayson Brunsdon, Bowie, Terry Biviano (Opening April 2007).

This information is used with permission from the Strand Arcade website

http://www.strandarcade.com.au/IPOH/STRAND/me.get?site.sectionshow&PAGE002