We are asking cabinets approval to move Dewsbury’s historic Arcade project closer to its goals
We will ask for approval for a funding package for Dewsbury Arcade, at next week’s (21 December) Cabinet meeting. Additionally, we will ask for approval for a revised Heads of Terms and to submit a stage two grant application to the National Heritage Lottery Fund (NHLF).
The Arcade
The Arcade is a Grade 2 listed Victorian building in the centre of Dewsbury. Once a popular and thriving retail arcade, it has been closed and vacant since July 2016. Bringing the Arcade back to life is a key part of the Dewsbury Blueprint and the Town Deal Investment Plan which both seek to regenerate the town centre.
Who is funding the project?
In June 2022, we revealed that the NHLF had initially awarded £106,657 towards the overall bid of £ 3.7 million. This grant provides support for community engagement activity; and the production of documents required for further grant submission and puts the project on a pathway to potentially achieving a significant grant at Stage two of this award.
What are we asking for?
We will request an increase of £500,000 to our original contribution to the project, which will cover the value to which the NHLF is unable to support. This increase would bring our contribution to the project to over £2.5 million and shall better support the bid application.
A request for approval to the Heads of Terms, for planning to be extended and to include the upper floors of the buildings 18-20 Corporation St/ 17 Foundry Street. These changes would provide the Arcade Group with opportunities to generate additional income, assisting with financial sustainability whilst also enabling better control of the parts of the buildings that the Arcade Group will manage.
The scheme seeks to create a new vibrant destination in the heart of Dewsbury town centre that will be an important component of a thriving town centre community. The restoration works will fully refurbish the Arcade and enhance its historic character. Enabling public access once more through the Arcade thoroughfare and improving the Arcade will maximise the chances of it being structurally and financially sustainable in future.
Councillor Eric Firth, Portfolio Holder for Dewsbury Town Centre
“We have worked closely with our partners over the last two years to create a scheme that not only sensitively restores and retains many of the arcade’s important original features but also breathes new life back into this neglected and semi-derelict building that has remained empty for many years.
“We have been really encouraged by the support that we have already received from many residents and businesses who are keen to see something positive happen to this building. Dewsbury continues to benefit from the significant investment as part of its ongoing redevelopment and this scheme will be another important step in its transformation.”
Kirklees Council Leader, Councillor Shabir Pandor, said:
“Dewsbury Arcade is a key part of Dewsbury’s history and I am keen to see it restored to the thriving retail centre it once was. The partnership approach we are taking in working with the Arcade Group is one that truly demonstrates this council’s commitment to keeping our communities at the heart of all we do. We have been encouraged by the support local residents and businesses have shown to the project and I look forward to seeing the progress in the coming months.”
What happens next?
If the current proposals are approved by Cabinet, the next stage of development will include the submission of the Stage two application to the NLHF Fund in February 2023, with a decision expected by June 2023 and completion of the Arcade in Spring 2024.