People of Dewsbury will be at the heart of arcade scheme say company board

Community benefit company ‘The Arcade – Dewsbury’ is planning a public launch of its plans in the Spring and the public is being urged to get behind them.

Project manager Mr Chris Hill said: “It is vitally important that we get the local community to buy into what we are doing.

“In fact if the community benefit company is named preferred bidder by the council then local people can literally buy into The Arcade by buying a share in it.

“Shareholders would then elect a board of directors and it would be one member one vote, regardless of whether they own one share or several.

“At this stage we want people to express their support by signing up for our newsletter and, of course, we are inviting expressions of interest from potential tenants who may want to take space.

“Rents will be affordable and the terms flexible. We’ve already had plenty of interest. As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic this is a unique opportunity to be in at the start of something fantastic.”

It is hoped The Arcade will be the first major project completed under the £25 million Dewsbury Blueprint regeneration plan.

Another big scheme – the restoration of the Pioneer Higher Skills Centre in Northgate for Kirklees College – opened late last year.

The Arcade - Dewsbury’ is a community benefit company aiming to become “preferred bidder” to take on the lease.

The idea is the company will run the building for the benefit of the town. Local people will be invited to buy shares and have a stake in the town’s future.

Kirklees Council carried out a compulsory purchase in May last year and is currently working on a £2.3 million refurbishment programme set to be completed in 2022.

The re-opening of The Arcade, one of Dewsbury’s grandest - and fondest-remembered – old buildings is seen as a catalyst for the regeneration of the town centre.

The council has put restoration of The Arcade at the heart of its Dewsbury Blueprint, a 10-year plan to regenerate the town.

To sign up for the newsletter go to www.arcade-dewsbury.org or follow progress on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @arcadedewsbury