Popular park for dog walkers near Sheffield to close for five weeks for renovations

A popular Barnsley park and gardens has closed to the public for five weeks, while renovation works take place.
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The well-loved visitor attraction was closed on January 10, as changes take place in the parkland as part of the £3 million Parks for People Project.

The project, which has been made possible through the generosity of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and its players, will see the historic parklands returned to their former Georgian splendour.

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The museum and outdoor space, including the car park, are due to reopen again in mid-February.

Cannon Hall sits in 70 acres of historic parkland looking towards the village of Cawthorne, to the west of Barnsley.

A statement on the hall’s website said: “Although a very difficult decision to take, it has been done so with the safety and wellbeing of visitors in mind.

“The five week closure will allow essential and major construction work to take place, which will see heavy machinery in the parklands and electrical work conducted making it dangerous for people to use.

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“Cannon Hall Farm, the neighbouring attraction, is open for business as usual and to support the project has allocated extra parking for visitors to use during the closure. Visitors can access the farm by using the main road, which is clearly marked with signage.

Work to the well-loved visitor attraction will bring huge benefits to the area and see changes such as new family activities, the opening up of undiscovered spaces and buildings, the creation of interesting and spectacular things to see and do as well as introducing boats back on the lakes.

“The main goal of the project is to improve the visitor experience, shine a spot light on the Hall’s magnificent and fascinating history and really raise the profile of the stunning attraction which is a gem in the Yorkshire landscape.”

Councillor Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Regeneration and Culture) at Barnsley Council said: “Work has been scheduled at the quietest time of year to minimise disruption which is inevitable when undertaking such a large scale project.”

Improvements are being made to the walled garden, as well as the overgrown area around Bark House Lane bridge, the ice house and deershelter.

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