The Arcade could possibly be the first major project completed under the £26 million Dewsbury blueprint regeneration plan. There are long term visions for the town to improve many aspects of the centre to welcome new visitors.
The Arcade became derelict in 2016 but Kirklees Council purchased the Grade II-listed Victorian building last year. A community interest company called ‘The Arcade- Dewsbury’ is pitching to take over the running of the building once a £2.3m refurbishment programme has been completed in 2022.
The idea of the renovation will, not only attract more people to Dewsbury but will also give opportunity for new local businesses and local job creation.
Plans for The Arcade include new leisure, retail and hospitality facilities to create a must-visit destination for the surrounding areas.
The Arcade- Dewsbury Group said: “We are bringing together people with the energy and imagination to create a popular Arcade that will never close again.”
The Arcade will offer 17 small shops to independent, creative business owners.
A local Interior Design Company has shown interest in one of the empty shop spaces. Diva Design Interiors is a potential new tenant for when The Arcade reopens.
The Bombz, a Handmade Artisan Bath Bombs & Wax Melts company, have also shown interest and seen potential in one of the empty shops.
They said: “They are the perfect size for the little independent businesses like myself and I would encourage anybody who has been thinking of taking the plunge to just go for it! The rent rates are really reasonable for a town centre position like this and I’m really looking forward to next year and bringing some love and colour to Dewsbury”
There has been talk about previous businesses returning to The Arcade, including The Arcade Café run by George Alexander. Many local residents have expressed their excitement and support online for The Arcade.
The Arcade- Dewsbury has plans for a public launch of the renovation in the spring and Mr Chris Hill, Project Manager, said: “rents will be affordable and the terms flexible. We’ve already had plenty of interest. As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic this is a unique opportunity to be in at the start of something new”
There have been recent concerns that the town is struggling to make money, especially during lock-down. Councillor Eric Firth has backed the restoration and believes it’s a positive move for the city.
There is a 10-year plan to ‘level up the North’ starting this summer which is the light at the end of the tunnel for Dewsbury centre after this devastating year. The renovation has been named a “catalyst for change” bringing hope and positivity for the local businesses and residents post-pandemic.
