Revamped Victorian arcade to be completed in June

7 hours ago

Abigail MarlowLocal Democracy Reporting Service

News image — An artist's impression of how Dewsbury Arcade could look

Kirklees Council A CGI mock-up of an indoor shopping centre. It has a slanted glass roof with green decorative arches on the interior. The shopfronts show a series of uniform units with large glass windows and signs hanging outside. — An artist's impression of how Dewsbury Arcade could look

A council officer has set out the timeline for the opening of UK's first community-run shopping centre.

Dewsbury Arcade was purchased by Kirklees Council in 2020, after standing empty for four years, and has since undergone a multi-million pound restoration.

Work on the Grade-II listed building is expected to be completed in early June, followed by a 'soft launch' of the facilities in June or July, and a grand opening in September.

According to the Arcade Group website, who will be responsible for leasing and managing the venue, there are currently 40 expressions of interest in the newly restored shop units.

The Arcade The front of Dewsbury Arcade. The stone facade features a series of long mullioned windows over three storeys and a central arched entrance on the ground floor. High street shops and businesses line the street on either side of the entrance. — The Victorian building has been empty since 2016

The flagship project is a collaboration between Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board, the Arcade Group and the council.

The extensive revamp has encountered many obstacles over the course of its development, including issues with rot and decay which were "far more significant" than first anticipated.

The subsequent repairs pushed back the original opening date, which had been set for autumn 2025, and led to £1.3m 'worst case scenario' funds being reallocated within the £10m budget.

Dry rot treatment is still to take place, along with rendering to the internal walls and the installation of shopfronts, but several key elements of the works have already been completed - including glazed and slate roofing and lift shaft masonry, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Neighbourhood Board member and Chair of the Arcade Board, Jackie Ramsay, said she "couldn't wait" for the arcade to be full of tenants.

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