Kirklees Together

We have brought back the original glazing company to renovate the historic glazed roof of the Grade II Listed Dewsbury Arcade.

Built in 1899, the arcade has stood empty since 2016, however, we purchased the arcade with a plan to invest in the building and reopen it as part of the Dewsbury Blueprint when it transfers to the Arcade Group for leasing and management. 

How is the roof being renovated?

One of the most exciting aspects of the renovation so far is the replacement of the glass roof, one of the arcade’s most recognisable features, which will remain central to the building’s look and feel once reopened. This work is being carried out by Standard Patent Glazing, a Dewsbury-based company that installed the original glazed roof back when the arcade first opened in 1899. This connection to the past not only guarantees that the roof will be handled by experienced professionals but also ensures that a long-standing local business benefits from the redevelopment of the arcade.

In addition to the glazed roof, the arcade building has over 131 windows, all of which must be conserved in line with the Listed building planning rules. Skilled window restorers, GH Joinery, have started work on repairs. Where full replacement windows are needed, these will be replaced “like for like” ensuring the look and feel of the arcade is retained. 

How is the work funded?

This work is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Getting Building Fund, the government’s Towns Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The main works are being carried out by William Birch and Sons, a Yorkshire-based construction company specialising in restoring heritage buildings.

Cllr Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said:

“The Dewsbury Arcade is an iconic part of Dewsbury’s heritage, and the roof is its most prominent feature. We’re thrilled to be able to work with Standard Patent Glazing, the company that originally installed the roof all those years ago.

“Using the same local firm is a fantastic nod to the original commissioners, the Dewsbury Board of Guardians. As we are now the guardians of the arcade, through this regeneration work, we want to take it back to its original glory and ensure it is fit for the next 125 years of retail in the town.”

What other renovations are being carried out?

In addition to work on the roof, the original York stone floor has been taken up and cleaned, when it is reinstated, it will be with level access provided to all the ground floor units. A new lift will also be installed at the Corporation Street end of the building which will give step-free access to the first-floor event space.   

Kirklees College is involved in various projects in collaboration with the Arcade Group. The Construction Skill Village scheme has plans to attend the arcade building site to undertake Skills Bootcamps in all aspects of construction including the unique opportunity for students to gain experience in heritage stone masonry. The masonry on the 125-year-old stone building requires extensive cleaning and repair, which is currently underway.  

What are the next steps?

There’s lots more work still to do, both in terms of crucial repairs and restoration and in terms of an electrical and digital upgrade, to bring the arcade into the twenty-first century and create a better offering for future tenants and visitors alike.