Westbourne Arcade

Posted on 26/05/2016 By

Seamoor Road aspect of Westbourne Arcade at Night.

Westbourne Arcade – a Covered Shopping Treasure in Westbourne

Westbourne Arcade is a Grade II Listed structure. It runs between Poole Road and Seamoor Road, and sports symmetrical façades of red brick with stone dressings at either end. Gothic style windows enhance the cathedral-like appearance. Amongst the features are gargoyles at the head of each drain pipe, said to be based on ancient Water Gods. A glazed roof offers protection from the elements, keeping the interior bright and airy by day. Built 1884-5 by Henry Joy, this is a “well-preserved polychrome Gothic shopping arcade”.

Interior of Westbourne Arcade at night

Even at night when deserted, there is an inviting atmosphere in Westbourne Arcade. © Expat

Today, it is host to an eclectic mix of shops, cafés and even a small, 19 seat cinema! There is an old-fashioned hardware store and florist, as well as shops to browse for the more unusual gifts and artefacts. A recent application to turn a former furniture shop into a Mediterranean-style restaurant caused some controversy when the plans were passed in July 2015.

A full list of the current (May 2016) shops in Westbourne Arcade is as follows:

  1. Zsa Zsa
  2. Woodley’s Shoes
  3. Beau Bijou (Modern & Vintage Costume Jewellery)
  4. Currently empty (was Director’s Cut Hairdressers)
  5. Scape
  6. Someretto Mediterranean Restaurant
  7. Scape
  8. The Terrace Café
  9. Dee’s (Clothing)
  10. Deck of Cards
  11. Courtenay’s Fine Art / 11a. Jewellery Vintage
  12. Fair Trader Tobacconist and Newsagent
  13. Ceruti Hairdressers
  14. Lavish Life and Colosseum Cinema
  15. Westbourne DIY and Hardware
  16. Don Strike (Music Supplies)
  17. By Arrangement (Florists)
  18. Sewing House (Design and Dressmaking)
  19. Nineteen (Clothes and Fashion)
  20. The Letterbox (Stationery and Crafts)
  21. Attics (Curiosities)
  22. Annabelles (Hairdressers)
  23. Stanwell (Clothing)
  24. Les Enfants (Children’s and Baby Clothing and Supplies

Click here for a photograph taken in the 1970s.

Westbourne Arcade - Seamoor Road Frontage

Seamoor Road Frontage © Expat

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Carved Inscription – “Westbourne Henry Joy’s Arcade 1884” © Expat

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Interior © Expat

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Interior © Expat

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Goods for sale © Expat

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Interior © Expat

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The Café and Intimate Cinema © Expat

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Interior © Expat

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One of many Gargoyles © Expat

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Another Gargoyle © Expat

References:
Historic England
Bournemouth Echo

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