£15m Dewsbury Market plans approved, with work set to start in Spring 2022

A £15million investment will retain and repair the original historic features, while introducing brand new stalls and facilities across the market, improving the space as a destination for both locals and visitors.

A new food hall will be created within the Edwardian Market Hall, as well as a covered food court in the adjacent building which will be capable of supporting events and entertainment.

This will broaden the market’s appeal by creating a warm, family-friendly atmosphere and adding at least ten different food and beverage operators – but also by creating a new area that can remain open on an evening when the rest of the market is closed, supporting the town’s evening economy.

This area will have seating for more than 200 people and standing room for more than 700 at any one time.

As well as improving the structure and broadening the offering, new stalls will replace many of the existing ones, including bespoke stalls set up for more specialist food and drink retailers.

The marketplace has always been a key feature at the heart of Dewsbury town centre, and despite declining numbers in recent years, market days are still the town’s busiest.

Revitalising the market is part of the much wider Dewsbury Blueprint project, which focuses on improving the town centre, bringing in more footfall and boosting the local economy.

Construction work is planned to start in spring 2022, aiming for completion in summer 2023.

During this time a large temporary street market will continue trading in its place, across a variety of locations including Market Place, part of Foundry Street, the footpaths along Longcauseway, and in front of the town hall.

This will allow shoppers to continue buying local produce, and supporting local traders and other businesses. It will also maintain footfall and interest in the market until the rejuvenated buildings reopen in 2023.

Councillor Eric Firth, cabinet member for town centres, said: “The market is one of Dewsbury’s most distinct and well-loved features, and we’re very excited to move ahead with these ambitious improvements.

"We’ll be creating an amazing space which we believe will be loved by locals as well as attracting new visitors and business.

“Our work on the Dewsbury Blueprint is all about breathing new life into the town centre, while also retaining its heart, culture and key historic features.

"It’ll be wonderful to see this beautiful market building restored to its former glory, and bringing renewed benefits to Dewsbury.

"This is yet another exciting piece of the jigsaw that makes up the Dewsbury Blueprint.

"A resurgent Dewsbury will, in the not too distant future, again become a destination of choice.”