By Oliver Thompson
Kirklees Council have approved plans to improve shop fronts and bring vacant space back into use in the Dewsbury Town Centre
The scheme is scheduled to be launched in early 2020 after the council had approved plans on 10 September.
Cllr Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said:
“We’ve seen huge success and changes for the better from the Dewsbury Townscape Initiative.
“The current appearance of many of the shop fronts is a result of various factors including the decline in retail activity in the town centre, a legacy of poor workmanship, display of ill-considered advertisements, lack of maintenance and some unauthorised alterations.
“The grant scheme will go a long way to improving Dewsbury town centre, making it more appealing and attractive for both local residents and visitors to the area.”
Areas of activity will focus on the core part of the town centre including Northgate, Westgate and Corporation Street.
The scheme allows landlords and property owners the opportunity to apply for grants totalling £1.25m, with the aim to improve buildings within the Dewsbury Town Centre. The news coincides with the £3m revamp of Grade II listed Pioneer House, which is set to become part of a new campus for Kirklees College.
Dewsbury MP Paula Sherriff welcomed the chance for Dewsbury to receive “long overdue” investment as part of a greater form of a investment believed to be around £241m made available between now and April 2021.
What are your thoughts?
Do you think we should invest in the Dewsbury Town Centre or would it be best to spend the money elsewhere and on other things?
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