Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the Town Deal Projects.

Contact:        Michelle Illingworth, Project Officer.

RESOLVED –

1)    That the Town Deal Project update be noted.

2)    That a report on the Riverside active travel route be presented to the Board at a future meeting.

3)    That a report on attracting retailers, food outlets and businesses to the Market be brough back to Board at a future meeting.

The Board received an update on delivery of Town Deal projects and were advised that:

• The Arcade Project was progressing well and remained on track for practical completion during Summer 2026, with a formal reopening anticipated in September 2026.
• Procurement activity for the Market and Town Park Project was progressing, with a temporary market expected to be operational during Autumn 2026 ahead of construction works.
• Public realm works around the Town Hall and Market Place were nearing completion and were expected to be available for public use during Summer 2026.
• The Construction Skills Village project continued to progress, with refurbishment works and design development underway.
• Work continued in respect of Neil Jordan House and wider Daisy Hill regeneration activity.

The Board welcomed the visible progress being made across Dewsbury town centre and discussed future event programming, inward investment opportunities and business engagement.

An update was also provided on work being undertaken with the NHS and partners to explore opportunities to establish health services within vacant town centre premises, including potential future use of 27 Market Place.

During discussion, the Board requested clarification on how the Riverside Active Travel Route would cross the river and canal. It was noted that the Riverside project remained on the forward plans and discussions were taking place, however the scheme was still at a very early stage and there was currently no detailed design information available, including for crossing arrangements. Officers undertook to present information on the Riverside Active Travel Route at a future Board meeting.

Board Members were invited to visit other town markets to see how they had transformed, and were asked to advise officers if this was something they would be interested in.

RESOLVED –

1)    That the Town Deal Project update be noted.

2)    That a report on the Riverside active travel route be presented to the Board at a future meeting.

3)    That a report on attracting retailers, food outlets and businesses to the Market be brought back to Board at a future meeting.