Deigned by English architect John Spencer, 'The Strand' was built in 1891 and was opened in April 1892, as the fifth and last of the arcades built in Sydney in the Victorian era. It is the only one remaining in its original form today. The Arcade was originally known as the 'City Arcade' or 'Arcade Street'. In 1981 it was named after the The Strand in London, famous street that links the city of London and the city of Westminster. The Strand was London's smartest theatre, hotel and shopping street in the early 1900s. The arcade became run down. Sydney's Strand Arcade has survived two depressions (one in the 1890s and the other in the 1930s) and withstood the threat of two major fires. During restoration work, a fire broke out on the morning of 25 May 1976. The arcade was partly destroyed. Restoration began again and the arcade, back to its original grandeur, re-opened in 1977.

Today The Strand Arcade still retains the small elite boutiques that defined the Sydney shopping experience of the 1890s and it is Sydney's epicentre of style and design. The Strand houses Australian designer labels, jewellers, places to eat, coffee shops, unique gift shops and beauty salons. It has been restored extensively and is a major element in the Pitt Street Mall. The Strand Arcade was the last of the arcades built in Victorian Sydney, and it is the only one remaining today in its original form. The Strand Arcade is an important heritage landmark within Sydney. Even if you find the place too expesive for you, The Strand Arcade is still a place you would like to see. It is located close to Queen Victoria Building. The closest train station is Town Hall.