By KLTV Newsdesk –

The Grade II listed landmark has undergone a major restoration and is preparing to welcome independent traders, artists, businesses and visitors.

Dewsbury Arcade is preparing to reopen its gates, giving visitors the chance to explore the restored historic building and meet the independent businesses moving into the town centre landmark.

Built in 1899, the Grade II listed building had stood empty since 2016 before being purchased by Kirklees Council in 2020. It subsequently became one of the first major projects to form part of the Dewsbury Blueprint.

Working in partnership with the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board and The Arcade Group, the historic building has undergone extensive restoration work designed to preserve its distinctive architecture and heritage.

New chapter for Dewsbury landmark

Visitors will be able to see the transformation first-hand while meeting the independent tenants who have been preparing to open their doors.

The Arcade Group has been supported in getting the building ready for its reopening and has already announced a range of independent local traders who will make the arcade their new home.

An opening event is being held on 5 September, featuring live performances and family activities.

The event aims to showcase the potential of the restored arcade, celebrate its reopening and attract further businesses to the building.

Councillor John Hardie, 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 twenty-first 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.”

UK’s first community-run shopping centre

A major milestone will also be reached as the lease and management of the building are transferred to The Arcade Group.

The organisation says the restored building will reopen as the UK’s first community-run shopping centre, marking a new chapter in the history of the landmark.

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 restoration works have been carried out by William Birch and Sons, a Yorkshire-based construction company specialising in heritage building restoration.

Once open, Dewsbury Arcade will feature 16 small shop units and four larger units.

The building will also include six upstairs studios, which could be used by artists, businesses as office space or for events.

Investment in Dewsbury’s heritage

The restoration has been supported by £4.5 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Town Deal grants managed by the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board, support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Getting Building Fund and capital funding from Kirklees Council.

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.”

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has also welcomed the restoration, highlighting the potential for the project to support independent businesses, the local economy and the wider regeneration of Dewsbury.

Helen Featherstone, Director, 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.”