A SHOPPING arcade in Cleckheaton, which is in a state of disrepair, is set for a £1 million upgrade.

Central Arcade, in the centre of the town was bought last year by Willow Properties (Yorkshire) Ltd, a local commercial property company.

The firm has now submitted plans to Kirklees Council which aim to make it a brighter, more modern shopping centre.

It will also be renamed Victoria Court as part of the renovations.

The site includes ten retail shops with two floors of offices above, with existing tenants including Halifax Bank, Dominos Pizza, From the Heart gifts shop, SMKD, Clecktronic, Sweeties, We Buy Gold, Cleckheaton Photo, Beauty Box and Titan Business Centre.

Ernest Wilsons, the landlord's agent overseeing the redevelopment, confirmed that a new £150,000 roof had already been installed.

Director Jonathan Holmes said that further works include all new shop fronts, stone fascia to the front and rear, new flooring throughout, lighting, an external seating area and signage.

"It’s anticipated the investment will result in a greater footfall of shoppers using what is predominantly an Arcade occupied mainly by small local independent businesses," he said.

The premises had previously been owned for many years by Stefan Simmonds of Tavirno Ltd, who at the time of the sale, retained the first floor office suites for his serviced office business.

In a design and access statement submitted to the Council as part of the planning application the arcade, between Market Street and Cheapside, is described as brick with aluminium framed windows and a flat roof.

It is thought that the building dates back to the 1970s.

it states: "The client intends to invest substantially with a full refurbishment and internal alterations of the property.

"The proposal is to clad the external elevations to both Market Street and Cheapside with stone slips and incorporate vertical timber effect cladding with new signage.

"Existing shop fronts externally are to be replaced with new grey aluminium shopfronts and roller shutters.

"Internal shop fronts are to be replaces with new timber shopfronts. Internal flooring is to be replaced and the arcade is to have new decoration and lighting.

"The external area on Market Street is to be refurbished with new planters and signage (to a separate application). Provision of a staff WC externally finished in stone to match the proposed building."

The report also outlines that the building is in "an increasing state of disrepair" and that there are currently some vacant units.

"The property would benefit the area hugely from renovation and refurbishment through investment."

A decision is expected by planners by the middle of June.