Historic Victorian shopping centre being restored to its former glory

Extensive restoration work is under way on Byram Arcade, a historic shopping centre in central Huddersfield.

Renovation of the arcade, which dates back to 1881, is being fully funded by Kirklees Council.

The main contractor on the project is HH Smith & Sons Co Ltd and the lead consultant is AHR.

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “The Byram Arcade holds a special place as one of the Huddersfield Blueprint’s key projects, alongside the Estate Building, Huddersfield Town Hall, and, of course, the George Hotel and Our Cultural Heart.

“Businesses within Byram Arcade have shown remarkable resilience, collaborating closely with our project teams and contractors.

“Their unwavering dedication to minimising disruption from the construction work has truly been a driving force behind our progress.”

Work on the arcade’s roof and chimneys is nearly finished and will help make the property wind and watertight.

The building’s roof lantern will soon be fully replaced and windows are currently being restored – some will receive replacement glazing to enhance energy efficiency.

Loose stones will be descaled, repointed, and replaced with lime mortar to stop deterioration and preserve the building’s façade.

The council says works are due to be completed next spring.