Decision details

The redevelopment of Dewsbury Market requires the closure of the existing market building to enable construction works to proceed. To mitigate the economic, operational and reputational impacts of this closure, the establishment of a temporary market is required to ensure continuity of market trading during the redevelopment period.

The temporary market will support existing traders, protect business viability, sustain footfall and economic activity within Dewsbury Town Centre, and provide an interim market offer for residents and visitors while regeneration works are undertaken. It will also provide a “test bed” for new concepts that could form part of the new offer within the refurbished market.

Alternative options considered

•         Do nothing (no temporary market)

Rejected due to the high risk of permanent trader loss, reduced town centre footfall, economic decline and reputational damage associated with a prolonged absence of market provision.

•         Locate a temporary market outside Dewsbury Town Centre

Rejected due to reduced accessibility and visibility, weaker trader viability, and misalignment with agreed town centre regeneration and place-making objectives.

Preferred option

The preferred and recommended option is to establish a temporary market within Dewsbury Town Centre for the duration of the redevelopment works aligned with the current approved planning application.

To approve the establishment and operation of a temporary Dewsbury Market from August 2026 for approximately 18 months to two years, and to authorise officers to:

• Implement the temporary market layout, infrastructure and servicing arrangements.
• Issue licences to traders to operate at the temporary market.
• Set and administer fees and charges in line with approved pricing strategies and delegated authority.
• Manage operational delivery, health and safety and trader engagement; and
• Take all necessary operational actions to ensure continuity of market trading during the redevelopment period.

Relevant powers within the Scheme of Delegation:

• Section 121, Dewsbury Improvement Act 1884
  Power to continue and establish markets, fairs and slaughterhouses.
• Section 50, Food Act 1984
  Authority to establish a market or acquire by agreement the whole or part of an existing market within the authority’s area.

Decision maker (as per Scheme of Delegation):
Markets Manager

Karen Roche