The Arcade Steering Group
‘The Arcade – Dewsbury’ steering group formed in October ’20 with the intention of taking a long lease on the Arcade from Kirklees Council when the refurbishment finishes. We believe such a partnership can give management focus and agility while maintaining the social aims of the Council.
We are bringing together people with the energy and imagination to create a popular Arcade that will never close again. An Arcade that will be a springboard for young entrepreneurs, be a mix of retail, activity and culture, work with other Dewsbury projects and keep the money local.
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.
In the Autumn of ’23, there will be a community share issue open to all residents. This is the way we will finance the business. You will own the business and elect the Board. Everyone will have one vote; however many shares you buy.
To be successful, our community business needs to develop a positive culture:
– Enterprising and well organised
– Focused on solutions, not problems. No moaning.
– Looking for and listening to other people’s ideas
For the year of the construction contract, the Heritage Fund is supporting us to find out what people want from the Arcade and involve the community. Please get in touch with any ideas