A MASSIVE regeneration project in Dewsbury town centre is under way.

Work has started on revamping Pioneer House, bang in the centre of the town.

Representatives from The Stayton Group and Kirklees Council, who are developing the site as a partnership, were on hand to see work finally begin.

Hoardings have been put up round the site and work has begun on clearing it and preparing the building for the planned 18 months of construction work that will bring the building back to its former glory.

The new Pioneer House will bring some significant new retailers into the town centre to take advantage of the new shops on the ground floor.

It will also provide much-needed homes for the people of Dewsbury.

The Stayton Group and Kirklees have pledged to try and ensure that a large number of the new flats in Pioneer House will be reserved for key workers from the local hospitals and emergency services.

Stayton is also looking at providing special cash packages for young Muslims looking to buy a flat in the building.

Robert Stayton, the group’s managing director, said: “This is the end of a very frustrating wait for us and the beginning of our plans to regenerate the centre of Dewsbury.

“We are very conscious that the town has been waiting to see something happen to Pioneer House for a long time now, but our hands have been tied until the planning permission was granted.

“I hope Pioneer House will act as a beacon for the development of the town.

“Everyone in Dewsbury has heard a lot of talk about what is going to happen to the town, but I hope that now they can see something happening at Pioneer House the whole town can begin to believe that the redevelopment will happen and Dewsbury will once again be a place to be proud of.”

Clr Ken Sims, the Kirklees Cabinet member for regeneration, was on site for the start of the work.

He said: “Following the granting of planning permission for Pioneer House it is pleasing to see the developer has acted quickly and started work on the proposals.

“The regeneration of Dewsbury is a top priority for the council's Cabinet, and the Pioneer House proposal is a major component to get that regeneration up and running.

“It is one which we fully support, and I hope that everyone concerned with the regenerating the town will welcome it with enthusiasm.’’