A SHOP owner is appealing for cash to open Dewsbury’s first special arts centre.
Paul Battye, owner of Dewsbury arts and crafts shop Qui Adoro on Northgate, is hoping to turn the former department store into an art complex with gallery, studio with teaching areas.
The former Batley councillor is looking for cash to turn his dream into a reality and create a base for artists in North Kirklees.
He said: “Sometimes one person will come along and have enough money to do this themselves.
“But sometimes that person isn’t there and although people have ideas and want to see things happen they don’t have enough money as an individual.
“Most people give up at that point, but I’m not one to. If one person can’t do it then 200 people can.”
Once the centre is open Mr Battye also hopes to create a cafe with a small stage for acoustic music, comedy and theatre.
But for now he has his sights set on starting the building work for the gallery and art studios.
He added: “I’ve had help in kind because people in the area know it will benefit them.
“But the time comes when you need some money. We’ve already got a building in the centre of Dewsbury and that’s half the battle.
“We could have moved to the big city, but we wanted to do something for the area.
“There’s a big gap that needs filling and I thought I’d do it myself. It’s probably the only chance to create something like this.”
