Small business in the Bristol & West Arcade have been given a new lease of life after the centre was bought by Reading-based Cityscene Properties.

The arcade contains 13 shops and office accommodation and has been sold by Prudential for £3.75million.

Cityscene Properties plans to keep the 1950s-style arcade on Friar Street as a haven for small businesses but has not ruled out some changes.

Director Robert Whiting said: "We are not planning to change the arcade considerably. There will still be a place for colourful shops."

For more details on the arcade's future, see today's Evening Post