By KLTV Newsdesk –
Residents are being invited to have their say on the latest Dewsbury Blueprint plans to redevelop the town’s market.
Kirklees Council has been working with Architects BDP as well as key market representatives and market traders, to create a design for the market on Cloth Hall Street in the town centre.
The designs are aimed at creating more open areas for easier access to the market and will be a more “welcoming and inclusive space” according to the council.
It builds on earlier feasibility studies and public feedback on initial ideas.
As well as food outlets, cafes and beverage stalls, the redeveloped market will feature a new seating area and events space which the council says will be fit for various uses.
The social space is being designed to help encourage people into the market and to spend both time and money there, with the aim of helping local traders and the wider town to flourish.
Have Your Say
With the latest plans complete, the council is now asking the public to have their say on the design.
Architect impression of the new market by BDP Architects
Residents can get involved in one of two ways; online via the council’s market survey website, or in person at the market itself, where members of the project team and architects will be on-site to share the design and hear views.
The dates and times at which the project team will be there are:
Wednesday 23rd June – 10 am to 2 pm
Saturday 26th June – 10 am to 2 pm
Wednesday 30th June – 10 am to 2 pm
‘Economic Heart’
Councillor Eric Firth, Cabinet Member for Town Centres said, “Dewsbury Market has been the economic heart of the town centre for centuries and we want to see it remain that way.
“Which is why we’re investing a significant amount of money to redevelop the market under our ambitious Dewsbury Blueprint plans.
“There is £8.3M for both the market redevelopment and to allow Dewsbury market traders to move to a temporary on-street market.
Cllr Firth added that there is also a further £6.6M available as part of the wider Dewsbury Town Improvement Plan through the Government’s Towns Fund.
“I’m excited to see the future design which will bring a new lease of life to Dewsbury’s famous market for our residents, visitors and traders. He said.
“The vibrant social spaces it creates will encourage people to work, shop, rest, eat, drink and play, helping local traders, businesses and the town centre to thrive.
“Have a look at the design and make sure you have your say before the closing date. Your feedback will help us to ensure the market space meets future community needs.”
Architect impression of the new market by BDP Architects
‘Significant Project’
BDP Architects are the firm working on and developing the plans for the market and have been doing so throughout the first half of 2021.
Stephen Marshall, BDP Project Director, added: “BDP’s architects, engineers, landscape architects and planners have enjoyed working with the team from Kirklees Council through numerous workshops and we’re now really keen to receive feedback from the residents of Dewsbury before we press on with the next stages in the design process.
“We do appreciate how significant this project is for Dewsbury, which has had a market in the town centre since the middle ages. The feedback we have had to date has all been very positive, but it is important that everyone has an opportunity to have their say.”
Officers are proposing that the existing market is temporarily relocated to Foundry Street, Market Place, the footpath at Long Causeway outside the precinct and the forecourt of the Town Hall whilst works take place.
The temporary market will act as a canvas for a group of artists due to be commissioned as part of the Dewsbury Creative Town arts programme.
Engagement for the plans closes on 4 July at which point the council will review responses and adapt the plans where practical.
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