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.
Once the refurbishment contract is underway, there will be a community share issue open to all residents. This will be our way to raise money. 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
Don’t let what we can’t do stop us from doing what we can