Nottingham Arkwright Street was built by the Great Central Railway and opened in 1899. It formed part of the long approach viaducts to the south of the city, running from Queen's Walk Yard to Thurland Street Tunnel. As a result of being atop the viaducts, it was one of only two examples of the original intermediate stations (together with Carrington) on the Great Central's London Extension not to be constructed to the favoured island platform design which facilitated future development. Arkwright Street was instead built with twin side wooden platforms which were cantilevered out from the viaduct and approached by steps leading up from Arkwright Street.