Dewsbury Market set for £2.5 million refurbishment.

30 Sep 2009 - The Dewsbury Market refurbishment is underway

THE long-awaited £2.5m overhaul of Dewsbury Market started this Monday.

The refurbishments include work on the electrical system and lighting, toilets, and remodelling of the fish block.

Security measures will also be boosted with shutters, CCTV and bollards, following arson attacks and anti-social behaviour at the market.

The refurbishment was originally due to take place in April and finish in November.

Senior development officer John Lambe said the project had been delayed while Kirklees Council responded to traders' requests.

He said: "We took on board the feedback from traders and resubmitted the plans after consultation.

"They wanted a facelift of the existing facilities and improved security such as shutters for the whole of the semi-covered market."

The first part of the project should be complete by mid-July 2010 but work will stop for the whole of December to avoid disrupting Christmas shopping.

Trish Makepeace, chairwoman of the Dewsbury Market Traders Association, said: "There have been delays but we're thrilled that it's now getting under way. There will be disruption but market services are doing all they can to minimise it.

"We're all looking forward to seeing the finished product."

The council is working with each trader to agree arrangements where they have to temporarily move from their stalls.

Signs will be placed to help shoppers to find the stalls they need.

Dewsbury Market was voted the best in the country in 2007 by the National Association of British Market Authorities.

Coun Eric Firth (Lab, Dews East) said: "It's the best market in the country – official. And we'll continue to invest in it."

Cabinet member for markets Coun David Sheard said: "Dewsbury Market is the jewel in the crown and this refurbishment will ensure that the high standards which led to the award of Best Market will be maintained.

"The work will ensure its long-term future and help it continue to generate a flow of shoppers into the area and thereby helping boost the economic health of Dewsbury as a whole."

The contractors for the scheme are Morgan Ashurst and the architects are Aedas Architects.