Facelift plans for Dewsbury’s ‘town center for everyone’ take shape with a new plaque

“That’s why I’m so glad the board is diversifying, because we want this regeneration to create a vibrant, diverse town center for everyone to enjoy.

“In particular, the presence of Jim Griffiths from West Yorkshire Police will support us in doing all we can to make people feel safer in Dewsbury town centre, which we know is crucial to helping all the plans and projects our to succeed in the long run. It will be hugely beneficial to have the Chief Superintendent and Kirklees District Commander so closely involved going forward.”

Keith Ramsay, chairman of Dewsbury Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Dewsbury Borough Council, the Dewsbury Blueprint and everyone who will benefit from the regeneration of the town centre. We have a lot of people here who really, truly care about the future of this city, and each of us brings our own unique perspective to better represent our local community as a whole.

“We know Dewsbury are facing challenges and we are facing them head on. The aim of the council’s ‘plan’ approach has always been a more rounded strategy for improving towns like Dewsbury, tackling all these different angles at once – it’s a complex path to success, but I believe it’s the right one. Having such close involvement from West Yorkshire Police as we talk about crime design in the city center will be incredibly important. And by better representing the third sector, local schools and colleges and those with accessibility needs, we access that wider view of Dewsbury and the impact this work will really have on local people.

“The appointment of the Kirklees Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration to the council alongside the Council leader also strengthens the council’s commitment to the council as we access this new funding and as the delivery of the plan increases.” The latest plans for Dewsbury targeted the area around the town hall, with work due to start this summer. A public space complete with greenery, seating and an amphitheater will cover Longcauseway, Wakefield Old Road and Town Hall Way.

In addition, the bandstand outside the town hall will be moved to a more scenic setting, with Crow Nest Park named as a potential site. The council will also carry out a consultation on changes to parking and pedestrianisation, with the aim of creating more accessible parking closer to civic buildings and town center shops.

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