New images show plans for £10.3m revamp of Dewsbury Arcade
The Grade-II listed structure is set to be renovated
Ten-million-pound plans to bring Dewsbury Arcade “back to its original glory” have taken the next steps, as homage is paid to the history of the Grade-II Listed building.
Kirklees Council has appointed the same local company responsible for installing the arcade’s original glazed roof back in 1899 when it first opened – Standard Patent Glazing – to undertake roof renovations. This will see the iconic glass structure replaced, with the local authority considering this one of the most “exciting” parts of the arcade scheme to date.
In addition to the glazed roof, the arcade has 131 windows which must be conserved in line with Listed building planning rules. Window restorers, GH Joinery, have already got to work on the repairs, and where full replacement windows are needed, these will be replaced “like for like”.
Cllr Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “The Dewsbury Arcade is an iconic part of Dewsbury’s heritage, and the roof is its most prominent feature. We’re thrilled to be able to work with Standard Patent Glazing, the company that originally installed the roof all those years ago.
“Using the same local firm is a fantastic nod to the original commissioners, the Dewsbury Board of Guardians. As we are now the guardians of the arcade, through this regeneration work, we want to take it back to its original glory and ensure it is fit for the next 125 years of retail in the town.”
In addition to work on the roof, the original York stone floor has been taken up and cleaned. When it is reinstated, it will be with level access provided to all the ground floor units.
A report to the latest meeting of the Dewsbury Town Board says that the replacement of the slabs, plus additional timber repair work, had pushed the expected completion date of the project back by 11 weeks, with this now set for August 2025. The cost to replace the slabs stands at £34,000, with the timber repairs not yet priced.
As for the other work still to come, a new lift will also be installed at the Corporation Street end of the building, more repairs and restoration will be carried out, as will a digital and electrical upgrade to bring the arcade “into the 21st Century”. Kirklees College is involved in various projects in collaboration with the Arcade Group, with plans in place to allow students to gain experience in heritage stone masonry.
When all the work is done, The Arcade Group – a community business – will manage and lease the premises.
In its entirety, the scheme is funded from several pots of cash, with Kirklees Council and the Town Deal Fund (Government Town Fund) each putting £2.57m to the project. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Get Building Fund covers £600k and the National Lottery Heritage fund, £4.55m. Finally, the Arcade Group and volunteers are contributing £34k.