Alhambra Theatre, 25, Arcade, Stirling

Rare classically-detailed shopping arcade on ground sloping to NE, with entrances at King Street (former Temperance Hotel) and Murray Place (former Douglas Hotel) and incorporating shell of Alhambra Theatre (former Arcade Theatre).

This shopping arcade, now known as the Stirling Arcade, is a fine example located between Stirling's principal shopping streets and the Castle. It is one of just five remaining in Scotland. Built for William Crawford, local councillor and china merchant, at a cost of about £30,000, it was also home to the Arcade Theatre.

Crawford's Arcade, as it was known, links King Street and Murray Place. Narrow street facades at each end lead into the ramped shopping arcade. Entering at King Street on higher ground to the SW, the arcade runs down to the NE, it dog-legs to the left into a lofty rectangular-plan level centre court and back again to the right to slope down to Murray Place. The Arcade, together with the Alhambra Theatre and Douglas Hotel were sold by auction in 1920 after the death of William Crawford.

The Arcade Theatre was situated within the arcade above the shops. Access was by the extant elegant cantilevered dog-leg staircase with decorative cast iron balusters and serpentine curved top landing on thin cast iron columns, with some fine decorative plasterwork. In 1964 the space was converted to a furniture showroom for Thomas Menzies Limited. The fine interior detail was removed owing to its poor condition but managing director, Mr Stirling Farquhar, had a pictorial record made. The auditorium 'had two U-shaped balconies, supported on iron columns, with a vaulted ceiling of painted panels. It seated 1,200 and had a chequered start with various short leases' (Peter). It was sold to William Crawford in 1912 and renamed the Alhambra Music Hall. It was then used for cine-variety and became a full-time cinema in 1930. The cinema closed in 1939 due to perceived fire risk owing to limited access.

Scotland's other shopping arcades are at: Central Arcade, Ayr (1880), North Bridge Arcade, Edinburgh (1900), Argyle Arcade, Glasgow (1827), and Market Arcade, Inverness (1860).
References and Notes updated as part of the Cinema Thematic Study 2007-08.
List description further updated as part of the Theatres Thematic Study 2010. (Historic Scotland)

June 2009: External inspection reveals that the former theatre (upper floors within the arcade) is vacant, but in fair condition.

July 2009: Building warrant lodged for internal alterations to the theatre in January 2008. Application ref: 08/00022/ALT.

12 September 2012: External inspection finds the former theatre remains disused. The Building Manager reports that though the exterior remains in good condition the interior is in a poor state. It is estimated to require £500,000 worth of repairs and renovations to bring it back into use.

2 July 2015: External inspection finds the upper floors of the complex remain disused.

29 March 2018: The Stirling Observer reports (28/3/2018) on a proposal to restore and convert the former theatre into a Scottish drinks and spirits experience.

2 March 2020: Listed building consent is being sought for roof repair works including the removal of existing slate roofing and re-slating using salvaged slates made up with matching second hand Welsh slates, Ref: 20/00150/LBC.

8 September 2021: External inspection limited and finds visible fabric in similar condition to last visit. Property owner reports that works related to 20/00150/LBC are expected to commence.

8 December 2021: Scottish Construction Now reports (06/12/2021) on Stirling Council's successful bid to Historic Environment Scotland's Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme. Over £3 million will be invested over a five year period, with a priority on the Stirling Arcade and Alhambra Theatre and John Cowane's House.