New faces added to task force for town’s revamp
GROUP SET UP AFTER £25M AWARD FUNDING
MULTI-MILLION-POUND investment in Dewsbury is gearing up as a new-look town board, ready to face the town’s challenges “head-on”, will be meeting next week.
Originally known as the DewsburyTown Deal Board, the board was set up as a requirement when the town was awarded £25m through the government’s Towns Fund in 2021. Members of the board include residents, business owners and public figures within the town and their aim is to make sure the blueprint project reflects the needs of the local community.
A similar condition is attached to the recent award of £20m of government cash as part of a new ‘Long-Term Plan’ for Dewsbury. As a result, the current Town Board has undergone a review and has expanded its membership.
With crime and anti-social behaviour highlighted as key challenges for Dewsbury, a “crucial” new addition is Jim Griffiths, Chief Superintendent and Kirklees District Commander with West Yorkshire Police.
Through the design of the town centre regeneration, the council is looking to address these challenges and reduce their occurrence. This could see routes made more open and well-lit, and measures to increase footfall in public areas from day to night.
The board will also benefit from representation from the Arcade Group, as well as more representation from other local businesses, third sector organisations, and local schools and colleges.
Keith Ramsay, who is also chair of the Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust and the board of ABE Global Ltd, will continue as chair of the Dewsbury Town Board. And Clr Cathy Scott, Leader of Kirklees Council, will be joined by Clr Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration.
Mark Eastwood, MP for Dewsbury, will also remain a board member.
David Shepherd, Strategic Director for Growth & Regeneration, said: “The Dewsbury Town Board is a crucial part of our process in terms of making sure these blueprint plans bring value for everyone. That’s why I’m so glad that the board’s membership is diversifying, because we want this regeneration to create a vibrant, varied town centre that can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Keith Ramsay, Chair of the Dewsbury Town Board, said: “We have a lot of people here who really, truly care about the future of this town, and each of us brings their own unique perspective to better represent our local community as a whole.”
The latest plans for Dewsbury featured the area around the town hall, with work set to commence this Summer. A public space complete with greenery, seating and an amphitheatre will cover Longcauseway, Wakefield Old Road and Town Hall Way.
In addition, the bandstand outside of the town hall will be relocated to a more picturesque setting, with Crow Nest Park named as a potential site. The council will also be carrying out a consultation on changes to parking and pedestrianisation, with the aim of creating more accessible parking closer to civic buildings and town centre shops.