Proposals for Dewsbury Arcade is to be reviewed by the council, with plans to rejuvenate local shopping and leisure activities in the area.
The arcade that Kirklees Council bought in May last year has been vacant for over five years due to declining footfall in the town centre, poor management, and a lack of investment from previous owners.
A combination of council investment, the Getting Building Fund and the Town Fund Programme will allow a full refurbishment for 15 small shops, four large end units and seven first-floor studios.
All original features of the arcade, which is a listed building, will be preserved. The work will bring the structure back to good condition for accommodating different tenants, improve accessibility and lighting, and enhance the beauty of the end units and entryways. The aim is to fill the arcade with independent, craft-oriented retailers alongside high-quality cafés and bars.
The restoration of the arcade is a key part of the ambitious Dewsbury Blueprint plans that are focused on bringing more activity into the town centre, making it more attractive, and improving accessibility. The development of the arcade will benefit the town, sparking new interest whilst complementing existing businesses like Dewsbury Market, which will also be reinvigorated through the Blueprint work.
In line with encouraging community involvement in regeneration and economic prosperity, Kirklees Council is exploring the possibility of leasing the arcade to a local community business, the Arcade Group.
The Arcade Group are organising a ‘summer gathering’ on 14 August, between 1pm and 4pm in Dewsbury Market, to explain the project and get local people involved.
The steering group was formed in October 2020 with the intention of taking a long lease on the Arcade from Kirklees Council when the refurbishment finishes in late 2022 with the belief that such a partnership can give management focus and agility while maintaining the social aims of the Council.
A representative from the Arcade Group said: “The Arcade cannot be what it was. It cannot consist of shops relying on passing trade. We have to create reasons for people making a special trip – specialist shops, that probably have an online presence as well, culture, events, creative work etc. We also need to work with the Market team to make Dewsbury town centre worth visiting again.
“We don’t yet know what the rents will be, but are determined to keep them affordable with flexible occupation terms.”
The council is bringing together people with energy and imagination to create a popular arcade that will never close again. An arcade that will be a springboard for young entrepreneurs, be a mix of retail, activity and culture, work with other Dewsbury projects and keep the money local.
Since the rescue of the arcade by the council, which had fallen into a state of disrepair, work has already been completed to help take care of the building and address immediate damp and rot issues. Construction work on the exciting new developments should start in Spring 2022, with a proposed opening date in early 2023.
Councillor Eric Firth, Cabinet Member for Town Centres, said: “Dewsbury Arcade is an iconic building in the town centre. The purchase of the building was one of our first major steps in making our Dewsbury Blueprint vision a reality.
“Bringing the arcade back to life will be a big part of putting Dewsbury firmly on the map as one of Yorkshire’s premier destination towns. I believe this project will be a catalyst for change, and a springboard to the town’s future.
“There are lots of exciting changes coming over the next ten years for Dewsbury, creating a bright future for the town centre by bringing in more business and making it a better place to live, visit and work. The restoration and repurposing of this beautiful building will lead the way.”
For details about renting or getting involved in the community business, contact Chris Hill at chris.hill@kirklees.gov.uk.
