First big step delivering Dewsbury regeneration plan with purchase of key town centre building

The completion of the deal is the council’s first major step in delivering on its 'Dewsbury Blueprint' vision - which launched in February 2020 and aims to create a family-friendly, active, accessible and attractive town centre.

At the launch event the council confirmed it was in discussions with the owner of the Arcade to purchase the building and bring it back to life after it being closed for four years.

The council has this week completed the purchase and now owns the building. Options are now being explored to reopen the Arcade - which connects Market Place to Corporation Street

Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: "This shows just how serious we are about delivering on our vision for Dewsbury. The Arcade building is a proud part of Dewsbury’s past and by completing the purchase of it we are making sure it is a key part of the town’s future too.

“We want this to be a hub of activity is a central part of the town centre where local and independent businesses can thrive.

“Such a beautiful and historically significant building cannot stay closed any longer and that’s exactly why we’ve made this decision. Residents of Dewsbury deserve better than closed buildings and empty units.”

There will be a focus on bringing smaller independent and local businesses to the building with an eclectic mix of retail, leisure and community facilities. Details and proposals are being drawn up over the next 12 months with an aim to reopen the Arcade in 2022.

Some initial work to improve the appearance of the building – which was built between 1895 and 1899 - will take place over the next few months.

Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “This is a significant step forward and a signal of intent – we are a council that delivers.

“This is a key building in our vision for Dewsbury and by buying it we’re talking control of its future. The Arcade building has a great history in Dewsbury and has been at the heart of the town centre for more than 100 years.

“We will now work hard on delivering the right plan to fill the Arcade with independent and local businesses and pump energy and activity into the heart of Dewsbury.”