Retaining Wall and Arcade to South West of Low Level Station Forecourt

A retaining wall and arcade, built between 1882 and 1884 for the London and North Western Railway, forms part of the High Level line infrastructure and connects to the Low Level Station. The structure, known as “The Colonnades,” begins west of the Low Level Station forecourt and extends to the Corn Hill railway bridge. It comprises 57 bays in total, with two and a half bays to the north, a curving section of three bays, 27 bays facing the Low Level Station forecourt, and 25 bays forming an open arcade on the north-east side of the gallery. The two bays at each end of the gallery have full-height openings, whilst the 21 intermediate bays feature parapets topped with decorative cast-iron railings. A tiled underpass, accessed by steps, provides access to the gallery from the High Level Station forecourt, centrally located within the gallery's length. A simple half-bay connects the arcade wall to the Wednesfield Road railway bridge. The retaining wall features full-height pilaster strips on a continuous, offset plinth with a moulded stone capping, accompanied by a cornice and a brick parapet with stone coping. Each bay has large square panels, with matching panels within the parapets. The round brick arches of the arcade are detailed with stone hoodmoulds, imposts, and keystones. The gallery’s interior boasts shallow groin vaulting with glazed brick lining; the western bay has been partially filled in with a later brick gas meter house. The gallery and underpass provide pedestrian access between the High Level and Low Level stations. The structure is included for its group value alongside the Low Level Station.