£50k for shopping centre – and toilets could be saved

The Princess of Wales Precinct is now the Princess of Wales Shopping Centre. Edinburgh House Estates Limited bought the centre from Ravenhill Esates last year, and they say they have had a lot of interest from businesses wanting to set up shop.

Subject to Kirklees Council planning permission, they hope to give the centre a revamp by Christmas, with new lighting, signage, street furniture and branding in place.

Centre manager David Bailey said: “We want to make this the attractive destination that Dewsbury deserves.”

Asset manager Richard Hughes added: “We want to see Dewsbury town centre flourish and have been working hard to secure tenants and bring new businesses into the town.

“We’re in talks with several businesses at the moment about the vacant units in the centre, one of which has entered a planning application to Kirklees Council to allow them to change the previous Game store into a cafe, which we think will enhance Long Causeway.

“Several of our tenants have already extended their leases, including New Look and Carphone Warehouse, which we’re very pleased about.”

Edinburgh House is also in talks with Kirklees Council about keeping open Longcauseway’s public toilets, which face the axe due to Kirklees cuts. A spokeswoman said: “They are a vital facility for shoppers. We don’t want to see them closed.”

An empty unit in Longcauseway will open up specially tomorrow (Saturday) to offer Spirit visitors a spicy treat.

Loonat restaurant, opposite the town hall, will be open from noon to 10pm.

The new owners of the Princess of Wales Shopping Centre want to encourage pop-up shops into the area. The unit will be vacant after Spirit but they want to work with schools and community groups to keep it occupied.

An art gallery displaying local work and hosting travelling exhibitions is also a possibility.