Under the Towns Fund, Dewsbury will see a number of projects move ahead or reach completion in 2026.

These projects include reopening Dewsbury Arcade, improving Daisy Hill, and revitalising Dewsbury Market.

An application for Pride in Place funding has also been submitted, which would see Dewsbury receive £2million a year for ten years to improve buildings in the town.

If successful, this would go live in April.

Progress is expected on a number of regeneration projects in Dewsbury this year.

placeholder image — Progress is expected on a number of regeneration projects in Dewsbury this year.

Sophie Johnson, chair of the Dewsbury Town Board, said: “It’s a really exciting time this year because we are in the middle of two different funding streams that we have got coming in.”

On the Towns Fund projects, Ms Johnson said: "People are going to see some real progress on those in the first half of the year.”

One focus for the town board will be improving safety and security in Dewsbury.

Ms Johnson said it will work closely with West Yorkshire Police and the local council “to make Dewsbury visibly a safer and more welcoming place.”

An artist's impression of the external view of the revamped Dewsbury Market

Another focus will be bringing buildings in Dewsbury back into use.

Ms Johnson said: “We have got some really great buildings that don’t always get the care and use that they need.”

“One of the main issues that we face in Dewsbury is that we can often look to the past.

“What we really need to do as a town is start looking to the future,” she added.

This is how the inside of Dewsbury Market could look

The Pride in Place application, if successful, would allow £20million to be put towards improving buildings in Dewsbury over the next ten years.

Dewsbury Market is set to see an improved traditional market offering, with additional areas for eating, drinking, socialising and events.

Under the plans, the new market will feature a mix of indoor permanent stalls and outdoor flexible stalls.

The outdoor stalls will be on a paved area which will extend into the wider public park, with greenery, artwork and a play area.

An artist's impression of how the revamped Dewsbury Arcade could look when restoration work is finished

This year, a temporary market will open, to allow traders to continue operating while work takes place on the new permanent market.

Public realm improvements, including works to the Civic Space and Memorial Gardens, are set to be completed in Spring 2026.

Early this year, the development of Field House is also set to be completed, which the council said will increase footfall and contribute to the “long-term vitality of Dewsbury.”

A neighbourhood of new homes is planned for Daisy Hill, along with new shops, cafes and restaurants.

It is hoped this work will transform Daisy Hill over the next ten years and beyond.

Under the plans for Dewsbury Arcade’s restoration, it will reopen as the UK's first community-run shopping centre.

In partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the transformation of Dewsbury Bus Station is continuing to progress, with works scheduled to complete in May 2027.

Coun Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “It’s really positive to see momentum building across so many regeneration projects in Dewsbury.

"By carefully phasing our work, we’re making sure the town centre continues to function and thrive as investment is delivered.

"This is about long-term change that benefits residents, businesses and visitors alike, and ensuring Dewsbury has a strong, sustainable future.”