Work has begun on the £18 million redevelopment of Dewsbury’s historic market, marking an important step in the town’s ongoing transformation.
The project is one of the final parts of the Dewsbury Blueprint, our long-term plan to create a more welcoming town centre where people can shop, meet and spend time. It will build on the market’s proud heritage while creating a modern, flexible space for the future.
What are the plans for the market?
The redevelopment will preserve the market’s distinctive architecture, including its iconic glazed roof and metal structure, while creating a more flexible layout that can meet the needs of traders and shoppers.
Plans also include a new town park and outdoor events space, with a children’s play area, water fountains, planting and local artwork. These spaces will provide more opportunities for people to meet, relax and enjoy the town centre.
Construction is expected to be completed in early 2028, with the market opening shortly afterwards.
Can I still visit the market during the work?
Dewsbury’s temporary market is already open across Market Place, Longcauseway and Foundry Street.
Traders can continue serving customers while work takes place on the main market, so residents and visitors can still shop locally and support their favourite businesses throughout the redevelopment.
What does this mean for Dewsbury?
The improvements will give the historic market a new lease of life while helping it remain an important part of the town.
The updated market and new outdoor spaces will provide more options for shopping, events and spending time in the town centre. The improved layout will also create opportunities for traders and businesses.
The market redevelopment is part of wider work to improve Dewsbury town centre.
The newly refurbished historic Arcade is now open as a community-run shopping destination, creating opportunities for independent businesses. Improvements around the Town Hall and Memorial Gardens are also helping to enhance the town’s public spaces.
Together, these projects are building on Dewsbury’s heritage while creating new opportunities for local businesses and improving the spaces people use and enjoy.
Cllr Hardie, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Highways and Transport, said:
“This is an important moment for Dewsbury. The market is part of the town’s identity, and this investment is about protecting that heritage while creating a space that works for today and for generations to come.
“With the temporary market already open, traders can continue to welcome customers while work progresses on the main market. The new park and outdoor events space will also give people more opportunities to enjoy the town centre, bringing together shopping, leisure and community life.
“Alongside the Arcade and other improvements across Dewsbury, this is about creating a town centre with a bright future, supporting local businesses and giving residents and visitors even more reasons to spend time here.”
Lee Powell, Managing Director of HBC Construction, said:
“It’s always exciting to get the first spades in the ground and start bringing a project to life. A huge amount of work and planning goes into getting developments to site, and we’re really looking forward to working closely with Kirklees Council and local partners to deliver a new anchor destination for Dewsbury.
“As with all our projects, we are committed to delivering wider social and economic benefits throughout construction. We have developed a strong social value and employment programme and are keen to leave a lasting legacy in Dewsbury, just as we have in other towns and communities across Yorkshire.”