Work on new Dewsbury Market to begin this summer
Kirklees Council wants to create a modern market space that builds on its existing heritage while attracting new visitors and businesses.
Work on the new Dewsbury market is set to begin this summer, as other projects across the town gear up for completion.
Kirklees Council wants to create a modern market space that builds on its existing heritage while attracting new visitors and businesses. Plans include a new outdoor events space and a town park, in a bid to make the market a place where people can shop, meet and spend time.
To ensure traders can continue operating during construction, a temporary market will open ahead of the main works starting in summer 2026. The council says it is continuing to work closely with traders to plan the move and allocate spaces, helping to ensure a smooth transition while work progresses on the main site.
Work is nearing completion on the historic Dewsbury Arcade, which has been empty since 2016. The building is being restored and brought back into use as the country’s first community-run shopping centre. Construction is due to finish in Summer 2026, with the Arcade expected to reopen shortly after.
Improvements to the Civic Space and memorial gardens are due to complete in the spring of this year, designed to create a greener, safer and more accessible area with upgraded paths and new trees. The Grade-II Listed Field House is being converted into 23 new town centre apartments, bringing more people to live in Dewsbury and supporting local businesses.
In partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, work continues on Dewsbury bus station to improve facilities and accessibility. Construction began in 2025 and is expected to run until May 2027.
These projects are funded through several investment streams, including the Dewsbury Town Investment Plan, which secured £24.8m from the government’s Towns Fund in 2021. With match funding from the council and partners, this represents more than £60m of investment into Dewsbury.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “It’s really positive to see momentum building across so many regeneration projects in Dewsbury. By carefully phasing our work, we’re making sure the town centre continues to function and thrive as investment is delivered.
The redevelopment of Dewsbury Market is central to this vision, creating a vibrant space that celebrates our town’s heritage while welcoming new visitors and supporting local businesses. This is about long-term change that benefits residents, businesses and visitors alike, and ensuring Dewsbury has a strong, sustainable future.”