Baroness Warsi performed the official ribbon cutting alongside key dignitaries, including the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Karen Allison, stained-glass artist Martin Donlin, and Carol Pyrah, Trustee and Chair of the England, North Committee at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, who unveiled our official Heritage Fund plaques.

Our early visitors snapped up exclusive goodie bags and cupcakes, while families enjoyed character meet-and-greets, historical street performers Meryl & Beryl, and stained-glass craft workshops with MakerWorld.

Reflecting on the turnout, Jenny Holden-Stokes, Manager of The Arcade, said: “To see over 5,000 people filling The Arcade, smiling, shopping, and celebrating together was beyond anything we could have hoped for. The atmosphere was electric from the moment the doors opened. This restoration has been a true labour of love for the community, and seeing the building buzzing with life again proves just how much this space means to the people of Dewsbury.”

Reaction from our attendees captured the town’s pride:

“I remember the original Arcade, we used to shop here when I was a child. It is fantastic to see it brought back to life.“

“What a great day for Dewsbury.“

“The Arcade Group should be really proud of what they have done – we can’t wait to see what comes next.“

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“With thanks to National Lottery players, we are delighted to have helped bring this amazing heritage building back to life and see it restored to its former glory with its beautiful roof and ironwork. At the Heritage Fund, we don’t define heritage but let communities tell us what they hold dear. Dewsbury Arcade is clearly close to many people’s hearts. It is a credit to all those involved to see their ambition achieved with independent retailers open for business and The Arcade bustling with people once again.”

The launch has sparked huge commercial interest, with over 20 active conversations underway with local businesses looking to take our remaining units. Looking ahead, our dedicated event and community rooms will officially launch in October, kicking off with a major national art exhibition.

There are many more to come with over 20 active conversations to occupy the available units and studios. We also have our arcade museum where you can pop in and find out more about The Arcade or the available units. And Arcade in the Arcade with Pacman, air hockey and table football.

Our event room, community space and meeting rooms will open at the beginning of October, drop us a message if you are interested to find out more.

Thank you for all your support and positivity

AROMA FIRES – a family-run fragrance brand specialising in handcrafted incense sticks, incense cones, bakhoor, and premium perfume oils

ATTAR – handcrafted traditional Arabian and Asian perfumed oils

Molly Drake Hypnotherapy

NextDeck – Pokémon TCG and trading card shop and community hub for fans, families, and collectors of all ages

NUR CAFE BY MEENA MOO – handcrafted desserts, rich cakes, and refreshing specialty beverages!

Personalised by Emily – thoughtful, handcrafted gifts and custom creations, specialising in personalised printing and embroidery.

Phoenix at No 4 – a vibrant boutique with handcrafted treasures and unique giftware

Woven in Kirklees – workshops, Calico dress exhibition and regular clothes swap events.

Built by Victorians in 1899 and saved through the determination of local residents, this historic landmark is taking its first steps into an exciting new era as the UK’s first community-owned shopping arcade.

We are inviting everyone across the community and beyond to join us from 10:00 AM to celebrate the rebirth of our beloved local treasure. Come explore the restored grade-II listed setting, meet the incredible independent traders and makers taking up residence, and see what happens when a community comes together to rebuild its high street.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, 5 September

Time: From 10:00 AM onwards

Location: The Dewsbury Arcade

Admission: Free for everyone

What’s Happening on the Day

We have an exciting lineup of events planned throughout the day to celebrate this momentous occasion:

Ribbon Cutting & Live Music: Join us at 10AM as we officially open the doors with a live performance from the Grange Moor Brass Band, followed by local live music throughout the day!

Golden Ticket Goodie Bags: Be one of the first through the doors! We have 50 limited-edition goodie bags to give out on a first-come, first-served basis, featuring Golden Tickets with exclusive launch-day offers.

Meet Our New Independent Tenants: Explore the restored Arcade and get to know our wonderful new independent traders and makers as they open their doors for the very first time.

Free Tea, Coffee & Cake with Meryl & Beryl: Grab a seat, enjoy free tea, coffee, and cake, and share your favourite local memories with Meryl & Beryl as we celebrate the Arcade’s rich heritage.

Stained Glass Unveiling & Craft Workshop: Be among the first to see our new bespoke stained-glass centrepiece by acclaimed artist Martin Donlin, then get creative with a stained-glass craft workshop hosted by MakerWorld.

Free Face Painting & Royal Guests: Treat the little ones to free face painting and meet Belle alongside two extra-special guests.

Woven Clothes Swap & Retro Arcade Games: Refresh your wardrobe at the community Clothes Swap hosted by Woven and test your skills in our retro Arcade inside the Arcade!

Arcade History Exhibition: Step back in time and discover the Arcade’s rich heritage through a special historical exhibition.

Kirklees College: Stop by and meet the team from Kirklees College, who will be joining us throughout the day to support the grand reopening.

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More than just learning the Pokémon Trading Card Game, it’s a welcoming space where children can make new friends, learn strategic skills, build confidence, and enjoy engaging, screen-free fun.

No experience is needed, all beginners are welcome! Every child will receive a special welcome gift, five days of games, and entry into a fun tournament on the final day.

Event Details

Dates: Monday 3rd August – Friday 7th August

Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm daily

Location: The Arcade Pop-Up, Princess of Wales Precinct, Dewsbury

Food & Drink: Lunch and refreshments provided

Pricing & Booking

Free School Meals Eligible: FREE

Standard Entry: £10

Places are limited! Advance booking is required to secure your spot.

To book, please email hello.nextdeck@outlook.com today.

Join us for an exclusive look inside the iconic Victorian space, meet the team, and find out how your business can thrive in a landmark location.

Event Details

Date: Saturday 1st August

Time: 10am – 3pm

Location: The Arcade Pop-Up, Princess of Wales Precinct, Dewsbury

Availability: Last remaining units!

How to Join Us

No booking required. Drop in between 10am and 3pm to chat with the team about available spaces, leasing options, and the vision for The Arcade.

Can’t make the date? Email jenny.holdenstokes@arcade-dewsbury.org for more information.

Check out the July schedule below:

Pack your buckets and spades and come down to the Princess of Wales Precinct on Saturday 25th July from 11am to 4pm for a spectacular summer day out.

What’s On the Day:

Urban beach & deckchairs, mini-golf, face painting, henna, kids’ craft workshops, art installations, and free Dewsbury rock!

Fairground rides, ice cream, and afternoon teas.

PLUS! Special magical appearance from Ariel and Prince Eric!

Event Details:

Saturday 25th July

11am – 4pm

Princess of Wales Precinct, Dewsbury

FREE entry, just come along and enjoy the day!

See you at the beach! 🏖️🍦

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Check out the June schedule below:

Get ready to escape to the tropics without leaving Yorkshire! We are bringing the vibrant flavours, sunshine sounds, and incredible energy of the Caribbean straight to Dewsbury.

Whether you’re a foodie looking for authentic island flavours or just searching for a fantastic family day out, this is the ultimate summer gathering.

What’s on Offer?

A mouth-watering selection of authentic Caribbean food stalls

Junior’s Famous Rum Cake! Don’t miss a slice of this crowd favourite

Refreshing Caribbean drinks and fruity mocktails

Feel-good Caribbean music

Entertainment for all ages and local craft stalls

Event Details

Saturday 27th June | 11am – 3pm

The Arcade Pop-Up, Princess of Wales Precinct

Free entry! No booking required, just turn up