High streets need to adapt to survive. We are committed to making changes that protect independent businesses, attract big names, and ultimately boost the local economy.

The story so far

Dewsbury Market

Dewsbury Market has been the economic heart of the town centre for centuries and we want to see it stay that way.

The time for change is here, to bring a new lease of life to Dewsbury's famous market for residents, visitors and traders, helping businesses and the town centre to flourish. To create markets that will last, we need to go 'back to the future' by designing vibrant social spaces where people want to work, shop, eat, drink and play.

Read more about the plans for Dewsbury Market.

Dewsbury arcade

The arcade is Grade II Listed and was built in 1899. Being a popular town centre thoroughfare right through to 2014. It currently consists of 17 small retail outlets. The arcade is also bookended by larger three-storey units at the Market Place and Commercial Street ends. The shops are around 250 sq. ft, with the end units more than twice that size.

The arcade is located within the Dewsbury Town Centre Conservation Area. The condition of the building has been gradually deteriorating over the last ten years. However, most of the building became vacant, and the thoroughfare closed to the public four years ago.

The Heritage Fund has initially approved £106,657 of development work. This is the first stage of the application which is part of a bid of £3.7m towards the overall project costs of £7m. Securing this money will enable the Council to progress development work leading up to the submission of the second-round application in November 2022 this year which will seek final approval of this significant grant.

The Arcade Group, made up of six Dewsbury businesspeople, is set to run the Arcade. They have set out a plan to ensure the vibrancy, inclusivity, and family-friendliness of the Arcade. You read about their plans on their website Dewsbury Arcade Group .

What's next?

Dewsbury Market

The economic situation coupled with the cost-of-living crisis means that we have to check and double check that our plans are the right ones for the people of Kirklees. We are currently doing just that with our plans for the market. Breathing new life into the market is still a priority for Dewsbury and we want to get it right.

Dewsbury arcade

The community business chosen to take the lease on one of Dewsbury's best loved architectural treasures is asking the people of the town and former residents for their knowledge and memories of the building.

The Victorian arcade linking Corporation Street and the Market Place is fondly remembered by townsfolk past and present.

The Arcade Group wants to create a written, oral, image and video archive to highlight the historical significance of the arcade.

If anyone has any specific knowledge, special memories or interesting stories or photos of the arcade, the Arcade Group would like to hear from you.

Heritage Link Worker Mike Mawson said:

"I'm particularly interested to hear memories of the well-known shops that lined the arcade over the years, for example Auty's Music Shop, J&Bs, Ann's Pantry, Candyman and indeed any others that locals think deserve to be on the favourites list."

"Most of all I'm interested to know why people hold the arcade in such high regard. What was it that made it so special? If I could get a few insights into this aspect, it would be really helpful."

If you are willing to contribute to the creation of this archive, please commit your memories to email and forward to Mike at mike.mawson@arcade-dewsbury.org.

Your contribution may be reproduced for display or exhibition purposes.