By KLTV Newsdesk –

Iconic heritage building prepares to showcase future retail potential as part of the Dewsbury Blueprint transformation

The transformation of Dewsbury Arcade has taken another significant step forward, bringing the town one step closer to seeing the historic building return to life as a bustling shopping destination.

Standing empty since 2016, the Grade II listed Arcade was purchased by Kirklees Council as one of the flagship projects of the Dewsbury Blueprint.

Working closely with the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board and the Arcade Group, the landmark is currently undergoing an extensive programme of restoration.

First Sample Shop Unit Takes Shape

Internal work is now underway on the first sample shop unit, designed to showcase what future retail spaces could look like once the Arcade reopens.

The unit is being fitted with a new boiler, mechanical systems, and electrical infrastructure, signalling the transition from structural restoration to interior development.

“Preserving History While Creating Opportunity”

Cllr Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, praised the progress: “Work is continuing to progress on this iconic building where we are not only preserving its rich history but also creating exciting future opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

“It is great to see the work starting on the sample unit as this will give businesses, shoppers, and residents a small glimpse into the future.

“Restoring Dewsbury Arcade is one of the key steps in bringing the Dewsbury Blueprint to life — creating a lively, welcoming place where people feel proud to live, work, shop, and spend time.

“This project is just one part of regenerating the town and ensuring that historic spaces continue to serve our communities for generations to come.”

Heritage Features Carefully Restored

Several major structural improvements have already been completed, including:

• Installation of new steel trusses to reinforce the roof

• New Velux windows to introduce more natural light

• Restoration of the original “Arcade” stone lettering facing the Marketplace

• Completion of roofing works on both the Marketplace and Corporation Street sides

• Replacement of three critical support columns in the former Moneypenny unit

Further works are ongoing, including block and beam flooring, shopfront restoration, and stone repairs.

Glazed Roof to Be Reinstalled as Next Key Stage

The next major milestone will be the return of the Arcade’s distinctive glazed roof, one of its most recognisable features, which will remain a centrepiece of the building’s character when it reopens.

Once fully restored, Dewsbury Arcade will relaunch as the UK’s first community-run shopping centre, leased and managed by the Arcade Group, a community-led business formed specifically to operate the venue.

How the Project Is Being Funded

The renovation is supported through a combination of:

• £4.5 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund

• Town Deal grants overseen by the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board

• Support from the Getting Building Fund via West Yorkshire Combined Authority

• Capital investment from Kirklees Council

With visible progress now taking place inside the historic structure, anticipation is growing for the moment when Dewsbury Arcade once again becomes a vibrant hub of independent retail, community pride and local heritage.