A historic shopping arcade welcomed visitors back over the weekend following an extensive renovation project.
The Victorian structure, which holds Grade-II listed status, had been closed since 2016 before being purchased by Kirklees Council.
The reopening marks the establishment of Britain’s inaugural community-run shopping arcade, operated by the Dewsbury Arcade Group, a not-for-profit community organisation that has taken on a lease agreement with the local authority.
Investment exceeding ten million pounds funded the restoration work, with contributions arriving from Kirklees Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The building occupies a prominent position within Dewsbury town centre.
William Birch and Sons, a construction firm based in Yorkshire with expertise in heritage property revitalisation, handled the primary restoration work.
The arcade now contains sixteen small retail units alongside four larger premises and six studios located on upper floors, available for use by artists, as office accommodation, or for hosting events.
Jenny Holden Stokes, the arcade’s manager, expressed enthusiasm about the venue’s revival, noting that the structure had served as a prominent feature of the town centre for many years and describing the restoration as a significant achievement.
Jackie Ramsay, chair of the Dewsbury Arcade Group, welcomed the new chapter beginning for the arcade, stating that the building represents exceptional architecture and expressing hope that local residents would value its restored condition.
Among those trading at the venue, artist Simon Dormand described his involvement in the reopening as meaningful, while florist and gift retailer Emily Parkinson characterised the space as attractive.
Visitor Caroline Sykes, who attended the Saturday opening, recalled purchasing records at the arcade during her teenage years and labelled the renovated interior as impressive.
Her grandson, Theo Armstrong, commented on the venue’s role in fostering community cohesion.
Attendees voiced hopes for additional investment and regeneration efforts targeting further derelict structures within the town centre.