Dewsbury Arcade restoration progresses as work on first sample shop unit begins
The transformation of Dewsbury Arcade is continuing and is one step closer in giving people a glimpse of the iconic building’s potential retail offering in the future.
As one of the flagship projects of the Dewsbury Blueprint, the Arcade had stood empty since 2016, until we purchased the Grade II listed building. Working in collaboration with the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board and the Arcade Group, the historic building continues to undergo intense restoration works.
What’s happened?
One of the most recent features of the renovation that is taking place is internal work beginning on the first sample shop unit to showcase potential retail space, highlighting the possibilities for business. This includes the installation of a new boiler and, mechanical and electrical systems.
Cllr Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration for Kirklees Council, said:
“Work is continuing to progress on this iconic building where we are not only preserving its rich history but also creating exciting future opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.
“It is great to see the work starting on the sample unit as this will give businesses, shoppers, and residents a small glimpse into the future. Restoring Dewsbury Arcade is one of the key steps in bringing the Dewsbury Blueprint to life — creating a lively, welcoming place where people feel proud to live, work, shop, and spend time. This project is just one part of regenerating the town and ensuring that historic spaces continue to serve our communities for generations to come.”
Other key milestones of the Arcade renovation include the installation of new steel trusses that will provide strong, long-lasting support for the roof and new Velux windows to provide more natural light.
Iconic new stone “Arcade” lettering has also been restored on the Marketplace side, underpinning the building’s historic importance to the town.
Roofing work on both the Marketplace and Corporation Street sides of the arcade is complete with only minor guttering works remaining and three critical support columns have also been replaced in the former Moneypenny unit.
Additional works on block and beam flooring in the Marketplace bookend units, shopfront restoration, and stone repairs are ongoing.
The next major milestone will be the installation of the Arcade’s glazed roof, one of most recognisable features, which will remain central to the building’s look and feel once reopened.
Once the renovations are completed, the Arcade will reopen as the UK’s first community-run shopping centre, leased and managed by the Arcade Group – a community business formed specifically for this purpose.
How has this been funded?
Work for the renovation of Dewsbury Arcade is funded by £4.5million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Town Deal grants managed by the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board and support from the Getting Building Fund from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and capital funding from the council.