Reviving The Byram Arcade: A journey of time and restoration
Byram Arcade is a historic shopping centre located in the heart of Huddersfield, full of Victorian charm and significant history. We’re thrilled to share the story of how we’re restoring this iconic building.
Preserving the past, securing the future
Byram Arcade, tracing its roots back to 1881, holds a unique place in Huddersfield’s architectural heritage, and has a profound connection to the town’s past. To ensure its enduring presence for future generations, a restoration project is set to unfold. Fully funded by the council, we are committed to conserving Huddersfield’s rich heritage and bolstering the town centre’s retail landscape for years to come.
By investing in the meticulous preservation of its architectural charm and historical significance, the council not only safeguards the town’s heritage but also envisions Byram Arcade as a beacon of longevity in the ever-evolving retail sphere. This project symbolises a blend of the past and the future, where the arcades enduring history coexists with what will be a rejuvenated thriving retail destination at the heart of Huddersfield town centre.
What’s happening behind the scenes?
Roof: The roof is nearing completion and has undergone meticulous stripping, insulation, and slate replacement, to protect its timeless beauty from the elements, making it wind and watertight. All works are approved and carried out in conjunction with listed building and conservation teams, ensuring compliance with historical preservation standards.
Ridge tiles: We have also utilised some ridge tiles salvaged from the demolition of the old Kirklees College building as a resourceful solution, considering that some of the existing roof tiles were beyond repair.
Roof lantern: The iconic and historic roof lantern will soon be fully replaced, rekindling the arcade’s luminous charm.
Chimney pots: Seven chimney pots have had a comprehensive stabilisation program, giving them a new lease of life and ensuring they stand as tall and proud as ever.
Windows: The Windows are being restored and made operational and draught proof. Some will receive replacement glazing to enhance energy efficiency.
Stonework: Loose stones will be descaled, repointed, and replaced with lime mortar to stop deterioration and preserve the building’s stately facade.
Key projects
The Byram Arcade holds a special place as one of the Huddersfield Blueprint’s key projects, alongside the Estate Building, Huddersfield Town Hall, and, of course, the George Hotel and Our Cultural Heart.
Businesses within Byram Arcade have shown remarkable resilience, collaborating closely with our project teams and contractors. Their unwavering dedication to minimising disruption from the construction work has truly been a driving force behind our progress. We are immensely grateful for their support and their faith in the project.
Amidst the gratitude extended to our contractors and local suppliers, we must give a nod to the internal technical teams who have spent many months working on this project. Their dedication, expertise, and tireless efforts have been integral to the success of the project ensuring that the Byram Arcade’s restoration meets the highest standards.
Thank you to our contractors
We would also like to extend thanks to our list of contractors and local suppliers, whose invaluable contributions have been instrumental in the success of this project:
Lead Consultant – AHR
Main Contractor – HH Smith & Sons Co Ltd
Working with specialist sub-contactors;
- Scaffolding – Kirk Scaffolding
- Roofing – Moda Contracting Ltd and Northwest Lead Ltd.
- Stone Masons – Mather & Ellis Ltd
- Huddersfield based quarry Johnsons Wellfield
- Huddersfield based Joinery company – Holme Valley Joinery Ltd
- Painting & Decorating – JG Lee Decorators Ltd.
- Hoarding – Hoard-It
- Electrical – Performance Electrical Ltd
- Cast Iron – Stafford Rainwater Systems Ltd
- Lightning Protection – Raiden Lighting Protection Services Ltd
- Asbestos – Bradley Environmental
The conservation team at Kirklees have played a pivotal role, in supporting our project team and providing invaluable advice throughout, alongside our friends at Historic England. Their guidance and expertise have been instrumental in the success of this project, further solidifying Byram Arcade’s position as a symbol of enduring history and a retail destination with a bright, sustainable future in the heart of Huddersfield.
What’s next?
With each carefully restored brick and beam, we have been able to advance the project, bringing Byram Arcade one step closer to reclaiming its former glory.
As we embark on this path of preservation, we eagerly anticipate sharing with you the historic revival of Byram Arcade, preserving for generations to come.
We are now installing the new lantern, and the roof is nearing completion, bringing us one step closer to reclaiming the Arcade’s former glory. The roof insulation is finished, keeping all the leaseholders a little warmer for winter.
The project is due to be complete next Spring.
Stay connected, visit the Arcade, and keep an eye on our updates.
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