A SCHEME to revive Dewsbury’s historic town centre has got the green light – thanks to a £2m award from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The money awarded to Kirklees Council means the £3.6m programme to transform the north-west quarter of Dewsbury town centre Conservation Area will go ahead.
The area, which encompasses Dewsbury railway station, Pioneer House and arcades and the town centre, forms the Victorian core of the town.
The scheme will see prominent derelict historic buildings brought back into use as offices, businesses and residential flats.
Some of the work has already been done with workmen refurbishing the historic Pioneer House block to prevent further decay.
Fiona Spiers, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for Yorkshire, said the award, made under its Townscape Heritage Initiative, would enable conservation of the fabric of the town and help local businesses to grow and the wider community to feel more engaged with the history of where they live.
Kirklees Council Cabinet member Clr Cathy Scott said: “This boost from the Heritage Lottery will help the scheme to rejuvenate the Victorian heritage of Dewsbury and will bring some of the town’s most prominent landmarks back into use and secure their future on the town’s skyline.
“We will work closely with building owners to produce high quality refurbishments of retail and office spaces which will encourage local people, visitors and businesses into this beautiful town.”
Clr Paul Kane, chairman of the Dewsbury Regeneration Board, said: “This is very good news for the town and a shot in the arm for the hard work of officers working with the regeneration board.
“I would like to thank all those involved in the bid. This should bring back much-needed confidence in our team at a time of austerity.”
Dewsbury MP Simon Reevell said: “I am delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is investing in projects in and around Dewsbury.
“Although these projects vary in nature and scale, each is a valuable addition to the local area. I particularly welcome the news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has chosen to invest in Dewsbury’s Townscape Heritage Initiative.
“Dewsbury’s town centre contains some historic buildings and substantial investment will now allow them to reach their full potential as office and retail spaces.”
