Dewsbury Arcade- Restoration Works 91
DEWSBURY ARCADE- RESTORATION WORKS
The £ 10.3 million restoration of Dewsbury Arcade marks a key milestone in Kirklees Council’ s town centre regeneration strategy – transforming a disused Victorian shopping arcade into the UK’ s first community-run retail hub.
In Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, a significant heritage-led regeneration project is breathing new life into one of the town’ s most iconic landmarks. The Grade II-listed Dewsbury Arcade, built in 1899 and empty since 2016, is undergoing a major transformation that will see it reopened as a vibrant, community-run retail destination by summer 2025.
Led by client Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council, and with heritage specialists William Birch & Sons Limited appointed as the main contractor, the ambitious £ 10.3 million scheme aims to sensitively restore the Victorian arcade’ s architectural features while upgrading the building for modern, accessible use.
The project forms a central part of the council’ s“ Dewsbury Blueprint” – a ten-year plan to revitalise the town centre through investment in public spaces, cultural assets, and heritage buildings. Funding has come from multiple sources, including the Government’ s Future High Streets Fund, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’ s Getting Building Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Towns Fund investment.
Councillor Cathy Scott, Leader of Kirklees Council, described the project as one close to the community’ s heart. She said:“ Those of us who’ ve lived in Dewsbury for a long time remember that beautiful building through the years, and I’ m absolutely passionate about it remaining a beating heart of our town centre.”
William Birch & Sons is overseeing the careful restoration of the arcade’ s structural and architectural elements. This includes reinstating original shopfronts, upgrading interiors, and replacing the arcade’ s distinctive glazed roof.
Perhaps the most pioneering aspect of the Dewsbury Arcade project is the long-term vision for community ownership. Once restored, the building will be leased and managed by The Arcade Group – a community benefit society formed by local residents and business owners.
This approach represents the UK’ s first communityrun shopping centre, with tenants expected to include independent retailers, creative studios, and small businesses. The group aims to make the arcade a lively, inclusive space that supports local enterprise and contributes to the town’ s economic and cultural revival.
Chris Hill, co-founder of The Arcade Group, said:“ We’ ve been close to this project, and it’ s been close to our hearts, for a very long time now, so it’ s incredibly exciting to be so close to work starting onsite.”
The Dewsbury Arcade scheme demonstrates how heritage assets can play a central role in placemaking strategies. Through a combination of careful conservation, community involvement and public-private funding, the project is not only preserving a key piece of Dewsbury’ s history, but also creating a unique platform for future economic growth.
Once complete, the arcade will serve as a model for how towns across the UK can regenerate underused historic buildings – turning them into sustainable, people-focused spaces with long-lasting local value.
Work is expected to be completed by mid-2025, when the doors to this revived Victorian gem will reopen to a new generation of visitors, shoppers and community members.
The roof replacement is being carried out by Standard Patent Glazing – the same local company that installed the original structure over 120 years ago. Their specialist knowledge ensures the roof’ s historic character is preserved while meeting current building standards. Dewsbury-based GH Joinery is also contributing to the works by restoring over 130 windows throughout the arcade, with any replacements made to match original designs.
Internally, the original York stone flooring is being removed, cleaned and relaid to create level access throughout the arcade. A new lift is being installed at the Corporation Street entrance to ensure the firstfloor event space is fully accessible, making the arcade welcoming to all visitors.