Blast from the past at historic shopping arcade renovation

Kirklees Council has brought back the original glazing company to renovate the historic glazed roof of the Grade II Listed Dewsbury Arcade.

Work on the glass roof, one of the arcade’s most recognisable features, is being carried out by Standard Patent Glazing, a Dewsbury-based company which installed the original glazed roof back when the arcade first opened in 1899.

In addition to the glazed roof, the arcade building has over 131 windows, all of which must be conserved in line with listed building planning rules.

Window restorer, GH Joinery, has started work on repairs. Where full replacement windows are needed, these will be replaced “like-for-like” ensuring the look and feel of the arcade is retained.

Built in 1899, the arcade has been empty since 2016. However, the council bought the arcade with a plan to invest in the building and reopen it as part of the Dewsbury Blueprint regeneration, when the building will be transferred to the Arcade Group for leasing and management.

Work on the property is being 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.

Councillor Graham Turner, cabinet member for finance and regeneration, said: “The Dewsbury Arcade is an iconic part of Dewsbury’s heritage, and the roof is its most prominent feature.

“We’re thrilled to be able to work with Standard Patent Glazing, the company that originally installed the roof all those years ago.

“Using the same local firm is a fantastic nod to the original commissioners, the Dewsbury Board of Guardians.

“As we are now the guardians of the arcade, through this regeneration work, we want to take it back to its original glory and ensure it is fit for the next 125 years of retail in the town.”

In addition to work on the roof, the original York stone floor has been taken up and cleaned. When it is reinstated, it will be with level access provided to all the ground floor units.

A new lift will also be installed at the Corporation Street end of the building which will give step-free access to the first-floor event space.

The masonry on the 125-year-old stone building requires extensive cleaning and repair, which is currently underway.