History-making Dewsbury Arcade to open as UK’s first community run shopping centre

There is just over a week to go until Dewsbury Arcade will be handed over to the Arcade Group with construction and restoration work completed to allow the building to welcome tenants and visitors.

Built in 1899, the Grade II listed building had stood empty since 2016, until it was purchased by Kirklees Council in 2020. It became one of the first major projects to form part of the Dewsbury Blueprint - the council’s plan for investment in Dewsbury over the next decade and beyond.

Working in collaboration with the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board and the Arcade Group, the historic building has undergone intense restoration works, preserving its architecture.

History will be made as the lease and management will be transferred to The Arcade Group as the building prepares to reopen in September as the UK’s first community-run shopping centre.

Kirklees Council has been supporting The Arcade Group as they fill the shop units. They have already announced an exciting range of independent local traders who are proud to make the arcade their new home.

A grand opening event with live performances and family activities has been announced by the group on 5 September.

Councillor John Hardie, Cabinet member for Regeneration, Highways and Transport, said:

“Dewsbury Arcade has always been a real focal point for people visiting the town and I am excited to so to see it open to boost footfall, create opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs and become a great place for people to enjoy.

“By working with local and Yorkshire-based specialists with a strong track record in preserving heritage buildings, the arcade has been sensitively brought into the twenty-first century while retaining the character that makes it so special. That unique character will be reflected in the independent businesses that will be opening their doors and preparing for an exciting future.

"The careful restoration of this treasured building is an example of how we want to make sure our communities are at the heart of all our projects going forward.”

The main works have been being carried out by William Birch and Sons, a Yorkshire-based construction company specialising in restoring heritage buildings.

Dewsbury Arcade will feature 16 small shop units and four larger ones, as well as six upstairs studios which could be used by artists, as office spaces or for events.

Jenny Holden Stokes, The Arcade manager, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to enter this next exciting chapter. For decades, The Arcade was the glittering centrepiece of our town centre, a true architectural jewel. Seeing it restored to its original grandeur is a moment of immense pride for everyone involved. A true springboard for local businesses and a destination Dewsbury can be proud of."

“Sophie Johnson, Chair of the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board, said:

“Seeing the Arcade reach this milestone is a hugely proud moment for everyone involved. The Arcade is a landmark building with a rich history at the heart of our town, and through strong partnership working we have been able to give it an exciting new future.

“This project is about far more than restoring the historic building. It’s about creating opportunities for new and existing local businesses, increasing footfall and confidence in Dewsbury, and creating a vibrant destination for the community to enjoy for generations to come.”

Work for the renovation of Dewsbury Arcade has been 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. 

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“We are delighted to be supporting this project to bring Dewsbury Arcade, an amazing heritage building, back to life and see it restored to its former glory.

“It is fantastic to think that our investment, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, will enable local communities to enjoy the Arcade, and create new opportunities for independent businesses.

“This will play a significant role in boosting the local economy while contributing towards the regeneration and wider townscape of Dewsbury.”