'Historic milestone' as firm that built Dewsbury Arcade roof returns to restore it
A historic milestone has been marked at Dewsbury Arcade, as its multi-million pound revamp continues.
The same local company responsible for installing the arcade’s original glazed roof back in 1899 when it first opened – Standard Patent Glazing – has returned to the Grade II Listed building to undertake roof renovations and restore the glazed roof. The arcade is undergoing a makeover in the hopes of returning it to its former glory and regenerating Dewsbury town centre.
Kirklees Council says that the restoration of the roof is one of the most exciting aspects of the renovation and is among the arcade’s most recognisable features, letting in natural light and creating a warm, bright atmosphere.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “The Dewsbury Arcade is an iconic part of the town’s heritage, and its roof is one of its most striking features. We’re thrilled to have worked with the very same local firm that originally installed the roof over a century ago. It’s a powerful nod to the Dewsbury Board of Guardians, who first commissioned the arcade and we’re proud to be a part of restoring it to its former glory.
“This regeneration is about more than preserving history – it’s about shaping the future. The arcade will play a vital role in the Dewsbury Blueprint, supporting independent businesses, attracting visitors, and helping to boost the town’s economy.”
In addition to the glazed roof, the arcade building has over 131 windows, all of which must be conserved in line with the Listed building planning rules. Where a full window replacement is required, this will be done “like for like” to ensure the original look and feel of the arcade is retained.
Looking ahead, the next phase of work will see rendering of the walls beneath the glazed roof. The lift shaft wall that will provide access to the other floors once completed is being rebuilt and stone plinths for the shop fronts will be arriving for installation.
Dewsbury Arcade has stood empty since 2016 and is undergoing extensive restoration works after being purchased by Kirklees Council. The scheme has come up against several setbacks including significant issues relating to rot and decay, which has pushed the opening date back from last August to this Spring.
Once refurbished, it will be the UK’s first community-run shopping centre, leased and managed by the Arcade Group.
This work is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Getting Building Fund, the government’s Towns Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The main works are being carried out by William Birch and Sons, a Yorkshire-based construction company specialising in restoring heritage buildings.