By KLTV Newsdesk –

Prospective tenants invited to exclusive Open Day as historic Victorian arcade prepares to reopen as the UK’s first community-owned shopping arcade

Entrepreneurs, independent retailers and food and drink businesses are being invited to explore new opportunities at Dewsbury Arcade as the landmark building prepares for its long-awaited reopening later this year.

The historic Victorian Grade II listed arcade will host a special Tenant Open Day on Friday 15 May, from 10 am until 3 pm, giving prospective business owners the chance to tour the newly restored units and learn more about becoming part of the development.

Dewsbury Arcade is set to become the UK’s first community-owned shopping arcade, with restoration works now nearing completion ahead of its official reopening in September.

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The project team is seeking a final wave of independent retailers, makers and hospitality entrepreneurs to join the Arcade as tenants, with organisers describing the event as a unique opportunity to become part of Dewsbury’s regeneration story.

Representatives from the Kirklees Business Team will also be on-site throughout the day, offering advice on business growth and outlining support packages available to new tenants.

Jenny Holden-Stokes, Arcade Manager, said: “This is a massive month for us as we move closer to our September opening.

“We aren’t just looking for tenants; we’re looking for people who want to be part of Dewsbury’s future.

“Whether you are an established brand or a start-up, we want to show you what makes this community-owned space so special.”

The Open Day marks a significant milestone in the countdown to the grand opening this autumn, as the transformation of one of Dewsbury’s best-known heritage buildings enters its final stages.

Prospective tenants can attend on the day or arrange a dedicated viewing slot by emailing jenny.holdenstokes@arcade-dewsbury.org.