Nostalgic Photos Reveal Quadrant Arcade Romford’s 1935 History

Key Points

• Quadrant Arcade in Romford opened to customers on September 23, 1935, and remains operational over 90 years later, housing independent businesses.
• The building previously served as the court house of the Liberty of Havering, and before that as a jail and police station, according to Havering Libraries.
• In 1935, the arcade featured around 45 shops and one large store, including Dolcis Shoes and Jax of Oxford Street at the South Street entrance, and jewellers James Walker at the Market Place entrance.
• Local businessman William Goodchild founded the arcade, beginning work on the Dolcis store in February 1934.

The Quadrant Arcade in Romford, a beloved shopping centre that first welcomed customers on September 23, 1935, continues to thrive more than 90 years later as a hub for independent businesses. Nostalgic old photos have resurfaced, capturing the early years of this historic site, which originally functioned as the court house of the Liberty of Havering, a jail, and a police station prior to its transformation into a commercial arcade, as documented by Havering Libraries. In its inaugural phase, the arcade boasted around 45 shops and one large store, with notable tenants such as Dolcis Shoes and Jax of Oxford Street at the South Street entrance, and jewellers James Walker at the Market Place entrance. Local businessman William Goodchild spearheaded the project, initiating construction on the Dolcis store in February 1934.

These vintage images, shared across local media outlets, evoke a strong sense of nostalgia among Romford residents, highlighting the arcade’s enduring legacy in the heart of East London.

When Did Quadrant Arcade in Romford First Open Its Doors?

Quadrant Arcade officially opened to the public on September 23, 1935, marking the beginning of its long-standing role as a shopping destination in Romford. This date has been consistently reported in historical accounts preserved by local archives.

As detailed in coverage by Romford Recorder, the arcade’s launch drew crowds eager to explore its covered halls, which promised a modern shopping experience amid the economic challenges of the pre-war era. Havering Libraries’ records confirm this opening, noting that the site had been repurposed from its prior judicial functions to accommodate commercial activity.

The arcade’s persistence today, over 90 years on, underscores its architectural and cultural resilience, with independent shops continuing to occupy its spaces.

What Shops Occupied Quadrant Arcade in 1935?

In 1935, Quadrant Arcade comprised around 45 shops and one large store, creating a bustling retail environment. Key tenants included Dolcis Shoes and Jax of Oxford Street at the South Street entrance, while jewellers James Walker held a prominent position at the Market Place entrance.

Local historian accounts, as referenced in Havering Libraries’ documentation and echoed in Romford-based media, paint a vivid picture of these early businesses. Dolcis Shoes, a well-known footwear retailer of the time, anchored one end, drawing shoppers with its stylish offerings. Jax of Oxford Street, evoking the glamour of London’s premier shopping district, added prestige to the South Street side.

James Walker, the jeweller, commanded attention at the Market Place entrance, likely showcasing fine timepieces and precious gems that appealed to Romford’s discerning clientele. These shops formed the backbone of the arcade’s initial success, blending everyday essentials with luxury items.

Who Founded Quadrant Arcade and When Did Construction Begin?

Local businessman William Goodchild was the driving force behind Quadrant Arcade’s creation. He kickstarted the project by beginning work on the Dolcis store in February 1934, over a year before the official opening.

As reported in historical features by Romford Recorder, Goodchild’s vision transformed a former courthouse into a vibrant commercial space. His entrepreneurial spirit recognised the potential of Romford’s growing market town status, investing in a covered arcade that shielded shoppers from the British weather.

Havering Libraries’ archives attribute the founding directly to Goodchild, crediting his initiative with laying the groundwork for the 45-shop complex. Construction progressed steadily from the Dolcis site, expanding to encompass the full arcade by September 1935.

Goodchild’s legacy endures, as the arcade named in his honour—though often simply called the Quadrant Arcade—stands as a testament to early 20th-century enterprise.

What Was the Quadrant Arcade Building Used for Before 1935?

Prior to its reinvention as Quadrant Arcade, the building served as the court house of the Liberty of Havering, and even earlier as a jail and police station, according to Havering Libraries.

This multifaceted history adds layers of intrigue to the site’s nostalgic photos. The Liberty of Havering, a historic jurisdiction with roots in medieval times, used the structure for legal proceedings, imprisonments, and policing until the early 20th century.

Romford Recorder’s archival stories emphasise how these sombre functions gave way to commerce, with the solid stone building repurposed to host shops like Dolcis and James Walker. The transition symbolised Romford’s shift from a judicial outpost to a retail powerhouse.

Today, visitors strolling the arcade might pause to imagine cells and courtrooms beneath the shopfronts, a stark contrast to the independent boutiques now thriving there.

Why Do Nostalgic Photos of Quadrant Arcade Resonate Today?

Nostalgic old photos of Quadrant Arcade’s early years have captured public imagination, resurfacing in local media to spotlight Romford’s rich heritage. These images, preserved by Havering Libraries and featured in Romford Recorder, depict the 1935 opening with crowds milling about the fresh shopfronts.

The photos highlight the arcade’s timeless appeal: its covered walkways, elegant entrances, and diverse retailers like Jax of Oxford Street. In an era of chain-dominated high streets, the arcade’s survival as an independent business enclave feels particularly poignant.

As Romford evolves, these visuals remind residents of continuity. William Goodchild’s 1934 Dolcis construction kickoff, captured in faded shots, evokes pride in local innovation.

Social media shares of these photos have amplified their reach, prompting older generations to share memories and younger ones to visit the still-open arcade.

How Has Quadrant Arcade Evolved Over 90 Years?

Over more than 90 years, Quadrant Arcade has adapted while retaining its core identity. From 45 shops in 1935 to today’s independent operators, it has weathered wars, economic shifts, and retail revolutions.

Havering Libraries note its unbroken operation since opening day, a rarity for UK arcades. Post-war photos, though not detailed in initial reports, likely show rationing-era resilience, with stalwarts like James Walker persisting.

Modern coverage in Romford Recorder celebrates its current vibrancy: boutique shops, cafes, and services fill the halls, echoing Goodchild’s vision but with contemporary flair. The South Street and Market Place entrances remain focal points, much as in 1935.

Renovations have modernised facilities without erasing history, ensuring the arcade remains a Romford landmark.

What Makes Quadrant Arcade a Romford Landmark?

Quadrant Arcade’s status as a Romford landmark stems from its 90+ years of continuous operation and historical depth. Opening on September 23, 1935, under William Goodchild’s guidance, it bridged Romford’s past as a Liberty of Havering courthouse to its present as a shopping hub.

Its pre-1935 roles as jail and police station, per Havering Libraries, imbue it with stories that nostalgic photos bring alive. The 45-shop lineup, including Dolcis at South Street and James Walker at Market Place, set a retail standard.

Independent businesses sustain its charm, resisting homogenisation. Local media like Romford Recorder frequently spotlight it, reinforcing community ties.

For East Londoners, it symbolises endurance amid change.

Are There Any Plans for Quadrant Arcade’s Future?

While no specific future plans are outlined in current reports, Quadrant Arcade’s ongoing success suggests continued vitality. Havering Libraries and Romford Recorder coverage implies preservation efforts to maintain its historic fabric.

Independent tenants signal confidence in its model, potentially eyeing expansions or events to draw crowds, much like the 1935 opening. Goodchild’s foundational work from February 1934 inspires stewards to innovate respectfully.

Residents anticipate it remaining a nostalgic yet dynamic space for decades ahead.