Our Work.
Over the last 5 years, together with Kirklees Council, we have been working hard to deliver on your priorities for Dewsbury. Here are just a few of the things you’ve told us are important to you, and what we’re doing about them:
Dewsbury Arcade - 16 Corporation St, Dewsbury WF13 1QG
In 2020, 75% of the local people we asked expressed support for reopening the Arcade.
That same year, Kirklees Council bought the Arcade and together with the Arcade Group secured £4.5m of funding to rejuvenate this jewel in Dewsbury’s town centre.
Work began in May 2024 and the Arcade is set to reopen by summer of next year!
Dewsbury Market - 32 Cloth Hall St, Dewsbury WF13 1QE
Revitalising Dewsbury Market was a major priority for local people in our 2020 consultation.
Dewsbury Town Board secured £6.6M of investment from the Towns Fund to build a 21st Century Market, adding to the £8.3M investment from Kirklees Council.
We expect work on the new market to begin in 2025.
Town Park - 32 Cloth Hall st Dewsbury WF13 1QE
Following a 2021 consultation where 62% supported a new park, designs for the new Town Park next to the market are now finalised, incorporating community feedback.
The park will feature an amphitheatre, diverse seating, new planting and play equipment for all ages.
Dewsbury Taking a Lead
The Town Board has led on Dewsbury’s cultural programme, Taking a Lead develop the Kirklees Year of Music events programme in 2023, aiming to shine a light on the rich diversity of music available in the town. the board secured £515k of investment from the governments Town Fund to support a wide range of activities including the 2023 Woven Festival that was a celebration of the area’s roots in the textile industry, as well as a celebration of Kirklees’ vibrant creative scene today.
Worldwide Food Festival
The first ever Dewsbury Worldwide Food Festival took place on June 1, 2024, and saw Dewsbury town centre transformed as food vendors, entertainers and musicians from across the country came together to celebrate a rich array of global cuisines. Featuring celebrity chef Al Roberto, music from the Dear Sunflowers Community Choir and activities for the whole family. The event also raised money for two local charities: The Children’s Arts School, and Bramwell’s Food Bank.