The Arcade Group Dewsbury
Directory of Co-operatives
Old Wakefield Rd
The listed Arcade, with its beautiful roof and ironwork is close to many Dewsbury hearts. Built in 1899, it was a popular town centre thoroughfare right through to 2014. A combination of falling town centre footfall, poor management and lack of investment by absentee owners, saw the Arcade empty out from 2011 and finally close in 2016. After considering all its options, in May 2020 the Council purchased the Arcade and as one of the lead projects in the ‘Dewsbury Blueprint’ is investing money in a full refurbishment. With support from the Architectural Heritage Fund, Co-operatives UK and the Council itself, we submitted our business plan to the Council and in January 2022 were made the ‘preferred bidder’ for the lease.
Once the refurbishment contract is underway, there will be a community share issue open to all residents to raise the necessary funding. You will own the business and elect the Board. Everyone will have one vote; however many shares you buy. Exciting times.