Kirklees Together

The Dewsbury Town Board, which was set up to bring a crucial local perspective to the Dewsbury Blueprint, has welcomed new members to help take the town’s regeneration into its next phase.

Why was the board set up?

Previously known as the Dewsbury Town Deal Board, the board was originally set up in line with the government’s allocation of £25million for Dewsbury through the Towns Fund in 2021.  The creation of a Town Deal Board, through which stakeholders could help make sure that the blueprint reflected the needs of the local community, was a requirement of this funding allocation.

A review of the board

The government has made a similar stipulation in line with the more recent funding injection of £20million as part of a new ‘Long-Term Plan’ for Dewsbury.  Alongside the board chair we have chosen to review the existing board – which has worked closely with us on the complex and ambitious blueprint plans – to build on the existing arrangement, and to bring in more relevant stakeholders who provide valuable input on the work to come.

Every member of the board has always been either a resident, a business owner or a key public figure within the town, and the membership has represented many different sectors including business, education, housing and healthcare.

Keith Ramsay, who is also chair of the Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust and the board of ABE Global Ltd, will remain chair of the Dewsbury Town Board.  An eclectic career, including previously leading the development of Leeds’ Business Improvement District, makes him well-placed to help drive change in Dewsbury town centre.

Councillor Cathy Scott, Leader of Kirklees Council, will be joined on the board by Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration.  Mark Eastwood, Member of Parliament for Dewsbury, will also remain a board member going forward.

A crucial addition to the board membership from April will be Jim Griffiths, Chief Superintendent and Kirklees District Commander with the West Yorkshire Police.

Representation of Dewsbury’s different key sectors

Crime and antisocial behaviour have been highlighted as a challenge in Dewsbury town centre over recent years, and a key aim of our regeneration plans is ‘designing out crime’.  This means that development in the town centre should reduce crime and antisocial behaviour through the design of public spaces – things like creating well-defined, well-lit and well-overlooked routes, and increasing footfall in public areas from day through to night.

While the West Yorkshire Police have previously been engaged with various aspects of these plans, Jim Griffiths’ presence on the Dewsbury Town Board will create a direct link with local law enforcement which should greatly support the long-term success of all the blueprint projects.

The board will also benefit from representation from the Arcade Group, as well as more representation from other local businesses, third sector organisations, and local schools and colleges.

As well as the representation of Dewsbury’s different key sectors, the priority in these membership changes remains representing local residents of different ages, cultures and minority groups.  The new membership will be more diverse and inclusive, providing an ongoing perspective on aspects like accessibility within the council’s plans, ensuring the blueprint is working towards a town centre which can be enjoyed by all.

Further updates may be made to the board’s membership and terms of reference over the coming months, in order to bring greatest possible benefit to the ongoing work.

We are currently working closely with the board to develop a ‘Long-Term Plan’ for Dewsbury, which is to be submitted to the government by 1 August.  This involves identifying priorities for the further £20million funding, which both meet the government’s criteria and are deliverable within budget.  This Long-Term Plan will also be shaped by public consultation later this year.

David Shepherd, Strategic Director for Growth & Regeneration, says:

“The Dewsbury Town Board is a crucial part of our process in terms of making sure these blueprint plans bring value for everyone.  We hold lots of public consultations, which give local people opportunities to shape the blueprint – but through the Dewsbury Town Board, we have a great range of perspectives to draw on throughout all that goes on behind the scenes.

“That’s why I’m so glad that the board’s membership is diversifying, because we want this regeneration to create a vibrant, varied town centre that can be enjoyed by everyone.

“In particular, the presence of Jim Griffiths from the West Yorkshire Police will support us in doing all we can to make people feel safer in Dewsbury town centre, which we know is crucial to helping all our plans and projects succeed long-term.  It’ll be hugely beneficial to have the Chief Superintendent and Kirklees District Commander so closely involved going forward.”

Keith Ramsay, Chair of the Dewsbury Town Board, says:

“This is fantastic news for the Dewsbury Town Board, for the Dewsbury Blueprint, and for everyone set to benefit from the town centre’s regeneration.

“We have a lot of people here who really, truly care about the future of this town, and each of us brings their own unique perspective to better represent our local community as a whole.

“We know that Dewsbury faces challenges, and we’re facing those head on.  The purpose of the council’s ‘blueprint’ approach has always been a more rounded strategy for improving towns like Dewsbury, addressing all these different angles at once – it’s a complex route to success, but I believe it’s the right one.  Having such close involvement from the West Yorkshire Police as we talk about designing out crime in the town centre will be incredibly important.  And by better representing the third sector, local schools and colleges, and those with accessibility needs, we’re accessing that broader view of Dewsbury and the impact this work will really have for local people.

“The appointment of Kirklees’ Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration to the board, alongside the Council Leader, is also strengthening the council’s commitment to the board as we tap into this new funding and as the blueprint’s delivery ramps up.”