Work under way on £18m market revamp

Work has got under way on the £18m revamp of a West Yorkshire market, to protect the site for future generations and give it "a new lease of life".

The redevelopment of Dewsbury Market will also see the creation of a new town park and outdoor events space.

Councillor John Hardie, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Highways and Transport at Kirklees Council, said the upgrade would focus on "protecting heritage while creating a space that works for today and for generations to come".

Construction is expected to be completed in early 2028, with the market set to open shortly afterwards.

The council said the market's distinctive architecture would remain, including its glazed roof and metal structure, while creating a "more future-proof layout".

The redeveloped market will also feature a children's play area, water fountains, planting and local artwork.

Lee Powell, managing director of HBC Construction, said: "It's always exciting to get the first spades in the ground and start bringing a project to life."

Hardie added that the completed works would bring "more opportunities to enjoy the town centre, bringing together shopping, leisure and community life".

The redevelopment is part of a wider project by Kirklees Council to improve the town centre which the authority says is designed to "build on Dewsbury's proud market heritage while creating a modern, flexible space for future generations".

The project has already seen the refurbishment of Dewsbury Arcade, which had previously been empty since 2016.

While work is carried out, trade will continue in Dewsbury's temporary market which is open across Market Place, Longcauseway and Foundry Street.

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