First chance to see the renovated Dewsbury Arcade and meet its new tenants as Grade II-listed building re-opens
Dewsbury Arcade is ready to re-open its gates, giving people the chance to meet new tenants and see the restored building for the first time.
Built in 1899, the Grade II-listed building had stood empty since 2016 until it was purchased by Kirklees Council in 2020. It became one of the first major projects to form part of the Dewsbury Blueprint.
Working in collaboration with the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board and the Arcade Group, the historic building has undergone intense restoration works to preserve its architecture.
The Arcade Group is holding an opening event on Saturday, September 5 – featuring live performances and family activities. The event aims to showcase The Arcade’s potential, celebrate the opening and attract more businesses.
Visitors will be able to see the transformation and meet the independent tenants who have been busy preparing to open their doors.
Coun John Hardie, Kirklees Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, highways and transport, said: “Dewsbury Arcade has always been a real focal point for people visiting the town and I am excited to so to see it open to boost footfall, create opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs and become a great place for people to enjoy.
“By working with local and Yorkshire-based specialists with a strong track record in preserving heritage buildings, The Arcade has been sensitively brought into the 21st century while retaining the character that makes it so special.
“That unique character will be reflected in the independent businesses that will be opening their doors and preparing for an exciting future.
“The careful restoration of this treasured building is an example of how we want to make sure our communities are at the heart of all our projects going forward.”
History will be made as the lease and management will be transferred to The Arcade Group as the building prepares to re-open as the UK’s first community-run shopping centre.
Jenny Holden Stokes, The Arcade manager, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to enter this next exciting chapter.
“For decades, The Arcade was the glittering centrepiece of our town centre, a true architectural jewel. Seeing it restored to its original grandeur is a moment of immense pride for everyone involved. A true springboard for local businesses and a destination Dewsbury can be proud of.”
The main works have been being carried out by William Birch and Sons, a Yorkshire-based construction company specialising in restoring heritage buildings.
Dewsbury Arcade will feature 16 small shop units and four larger ones, as well as six upstairs studios which could be used by artists, as office spaces or for events.
Sophie Johnson, chair of the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board, said: “Seeing The Arcade reach this milestone is a hugely proud moment for everyone involved.
“The Arcade is a landmark building with a rich history at the heart of our town, and through strong partnership working we have been able to give it an exciting new future.
“This project is about far more than restoring the historic building. It’s about creating opportunities for new and existing local businesses, increasing footfall and confidence in Dewsbury, and creating a vibrant destination for the community to enjoy for generations to come.”
Work for the renovation of Dewsbury Arcade has been funded by £4.5million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Town Deal grants managed by the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board and support from the Getting Building Fund from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and capital funding from the council.
Helen Featherstone, director of England North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this project to bring Dewsbury Arcade, an amazing heritage building, back to life and see it restored to its former glory.
“It is fantastic to think that our investment, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, will enable local communities to enjoy The Arcade, and create new opportunities for independent businesses.
“This will play a significant role in boosting the local economy while contributing towards the regeneration and wider townscape of Dewsbury.”