Dewsbury Market overhaul starts, with £18m plan for hall, park and events space
Dewsbury Market CGI
With Dewsbury’s traders continuing to serve customers from temporary pitches across the town centre, work has begun on an £18 million redevelopment of the market that will preserve its historic hall and add a town park and outdoor events space.
HBC Construction is carrying out the project for Kirklees Council as part of its Dewsbury Blueprint programme. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2028, with the refurbished market and surrounding public spaces due to open shortly afterwards.
Historic hall at the centre of the plans
The scheme is designed to retain the market’s distinctive character while adapting it for a broader range of uses. Plans include restoring the historic hall and preserving and enhancing its glazed roof and metal architecture. The council’s stated aim is to create a more varied offer through the day and into the evening, with space for shopping, eating, socialising and events.
Outside, a new park and events area will include a children’s play area, water fountains, extensive planting and local artwork. The plans bring the market and public space together as an open, accessible destination where people can spend time in Dewsbury town centre.
During the building work, existing traders are to continue operating from a temporary market across Market Place, Longcauseway and Foundry Street. Kirklees Council has worked with traders on the relocation and allocation of pitches, aiming to maintain trading while the main site is redeveloped. The temporary arrangement is intended to keep the market’s day-to-day activity going rather than leave traders without a place to serve customers.
Contractor points to wider local benefits
Lee Powell, Managing Director of HBC Construction, said the start of work marked the move from planning to delivery.
“It’s always exciting to get the first spades in the ground and start bringing a project to life. A huge amount of work and planning goes into getting developments to site, and we’re really looking forward to working closely with Kirklees Council and local partners to deliver a new anchor destination for Dewsbury.
“As with all our projects, we are committed to delivering wider social and economic benefits throughout construction. We have developed a strong social value and employment programme and are keen to leave a lasting legacy in Dewsbury, just as we have in other towns and communities across Yorkshire.”
Dewsbury is HBC Construction’s third major market redevelopment project in Yorkshire over the past decade. The company led delivery of Barnsley Markets at The Glass Works and is currently working on the regeneration of Rotherham Markets.
The market project sits within the wider Dewsbury Blueprint, Kirklees Council’s long-term plan for a vibrant, sustainable and future-proof town centre. The council’s plans also describe a more flexible market layout, linking indoor and outdoor stalls with the park and creating space for different activities and events.
Cllr Hardie, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Highways and Transport, said: “This is an important moment for Dewsbury. The market is part of the town’s identity, and this investment is about protecting that heritage while creating a space that works for today and for generations to come.
“With the temporary market already open, traders can continue to welcome customers while work progresses on the main market. The new park and outdoor events space will also give people more opportunities to enjoy the town centre, bringing together shopping, leisure and community life.
“Alongside the Arcade and other improvements across Dewsbury, this is about creating a town centre with a bright future, supporting local businesses and giving residents and visitors even more reasons to spend time here.”
