Kirklees Together

We’re inviting you to have your say on the latest Dewsbury Blueprint plans to redevelop the town’s market.

What’s happening?

Architects, BDP, have been working with the council, key market representatives and market traders, to create a design for the market on Cloth Hall Street in the town centre.

The design aims to create a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive space where people can expect value for money and the best possible shopping experience. 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 flexible seating area and events space which can be used for meeting, eating, drinking and entertainment. This social space will help to encourage people into the market and to spend both time and money there, which will help local traders and the wider town to flourish.

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. There is also a further £6.6M, granted earlier this month, as part of 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. 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.“

 

Stephen Marshall, BDP Project Director added:

“We have spent the first half of 2021 developing the proposals for the market, building on the great work contained within the Dewsbury Blueprint. 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 become a talking point for the town as it will act as a canvas for a group of artists due to be commissioned as part of the Dewsbury Creative Town arts programme.

See the design and have your say

The design is available online at www.kirklees.gov.uk/dewsburymarketsurvey where you can also have your say.

Or, bob along to the market to meet members of the project team and architects, see the design and share your views on:

• Wednesday 23rd June – 10am to 2pm
• Saturday 26th June – 10am to 2pm
• Wednesday 30th June – 10am to 2pm

Engagement closes on 4 July, at which point we will review responses and adapt the plans where practical.