This stunning arvase was designed by W.H.Ward of Paradise Street, Birmingham. The arcade has entrances at each end with the entrance at Temple Row being ornate, unlike the modern reworked entrance at Colmore Row which is opposite New Street Station. 

The arcade's roof was originally built as a glazed semi-circular barrel vault with a glazed central dome. This was destroyed during the second World War and has been replaced.

The arcade contains shops on both sides and has a clock which strikes the quarters on a set of five exposed bells.