Ten years after its closure, Dewsbury Arcade finally re-opened its historic doors on Saturday (September 5) after a major renovation project helped by a £4.5m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The new-look Arcade, which was built in 1899, consists of 16 small shops, bookended by four larger units at the Market Place and Corporation Street entrances.
And the Reporter Series talked with some of the business owners who now have a new home at the Grade-II Listed building, on what was a very grand re-opening day.
At Unit 6 you will find Aroma Fires, which sells a wide range of natural incense, ouds, bakhoor, and aroma products.
Owner Qasim Iftikhar was blown away with the response from the community.
“It is absolutely lovely to see the turn out,” he said. “There have been so many people. It has been absolutely amazing.
“There are so many good vibes and that is what we want here. It is going to do really well for the community.”
Emily Parkinson, who runs Personalised By Emily, was equally impressed by the footfall on the first day of trading.
“I am shocked at the turnout,” she revealed. “I really can’t believe it. It has been so nice to see so many faces smiling back through the window.
“It has been a great response.”
The one-stop shop for anything hand-made, printed or personalised, was the winner of a competition to have free rent for 12 months.
“Everybody is feeling really excited but I am also feeling really grateful,” Emily said. “It means absolutely everything to me. It means an extra lot to me that I am standing here today and I can call this shop mine.
“I am extremely excited for the future and very grateful for the opportunity.”
Number 16 at the Arcade is home to a former Hackney Market stall holder in Zahura Khanum. She runs Attar which sells a range of bespoke perfumes, luxury fragrances and skincare products.
She said: “I came up from London to Wakefield a couple of years ago looking for an opportunity and by chance found this building, signed up and thought I would go for it.
“When I look at this Arcade I feel really positive. I think it is really lovely. It reminds me of the one in Leeds and it is a good chance for Dewsbury to regenerate itself and rejuvenate itself.
“Small business owners need to take that leap, trust it and go for it. For this town to grow we need to open up and give it a go.”
Shoppers were also enthused with positivity about the town’s future.
Lifelong Dewsbury resident Mike Keddie said: “I am really hoping it is a turning point for the town centre. It is really exciting.
“I haven’t seen as many people down here in the town centre for years. It is really great and it looks absolutely tremendous.
“I am almost welling up with emotion. I really do hope this is the start of something special for Dewsbury. It restores your faith that Dewsbury town centre has a future.”
Fellow shopper Diane Hinchcliffe added: “Let’s hope it brings lots and lots of trade to Dewsbury and hope these lovely shops can thrive.
“It is absolutely beautiful and it is a credit to everybody who has been involved.”
2. Dewsbury Arcade traders
Emily Parkinson, who runs Personalised By Emily. Photo: JOHN CLIFTON
4. Dewsbury Arcade shoppers
Shoppers wait to enter Dewsbury Arcade at the grand re-opening. Photo: JOHN CLIFTON