Major regeneration schemes in Dewsbury and Heckmondwike set to be completed in 2026
Kirklees is going to look very different this year, as several major regeneration schemes are due to be finished.
Huddersfield is the subject of its own mammoth “blueprint” project, with the multi-million pound Our Cultural Heart at the centre.
Elsewhere, several of Kirklees’ other towns and villages are the subjects of their own blueprints, or other regeneration schemes.
In Dewsbury, the area around the town hall is getting a revamp and the historic arcade is getting a new lease of life.
In Heckmondwike, a new bus station is under construction and in Holmfirth, the town centre has a scheme of its own, aiming to make it more accessible and promote active methods of travel.
For many of these projects, elements are due to be completed in 2026 – if not the entire scheme. Here is what is planned on the projects in North Kirklees.
Dewsbury Town Hall apron and memorial gardens
Work to the area around the town hall began back in April, with paving replaced and more trees planted. The plans also cover a public space, complete with an amphitheatre, greenery and seating, as well as the relocation of the band stand to Crow Nest Park, which took place at the end of 2024.
Dewsbury Arcade
As spades went in the ground, problems with rot and decay were found to be worse than anticipated and pushed the opening date of the arcade back to spring 2026. When work on the project kicked off in May 2024, there were plans for an autumn 2025 opening.
Once works are complete, the arcade will be a community-run shopping centre, leased and managed by the Arcade Group.
The historic Grade II listed building is undergoing a multi-million pound revamp, in the hopes of returning it to its former glory while helping to regenerate the wider town centre as part of the council’s “blueprint vision”.
Heckmondwike Bus Hub
The £10.5m facility will be West Yorkshire’s first Weaver Network branded bus station. It will include more stops, extra indoor seating, cycle parking, solar panels, a green roof, a Changing Places room and communal outdoor spaces.
Construction began last year and is due to be completed and open to passengers in spring 2026.