£10m investment plan including new gyms, parks and offices unveiled for Barnsley’s principal towns

A £10m scheme to invest in Barnsley’s principal towns is set to be approved by cabinet next week, in a bid to combat the “significant decline” expected on the borough’s high streets.
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Individual schemes have been drawn up for Wombwell, Cudworth, Hoyland, Penistone, and Royston, which will “uniquely reflect local priorities” in each town.

A report to cabinet members states that “sustained investment” in principal towns is critical to “ensuring that good growth is realised throughout the borough.”

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A £10m scheme to invest in Barnsley's principal towns is set to be approved by cabinet next weekA £10m scheme to invest in Barnsley's principal towns is set to be approved by cabinet next week
A £10m scheme to invest in Barnsley's principal towns is set to be approved by cabinet next week
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“High Streets are expected to see significant decline and transformation following the Covid-19 pandemic,” the report adds.

“Intervention is therefore needed to ensure our local areas remain vibrant,attractive and sustainable for the future.

£10m in funding has been set aside for the scheme as part of the 2022/23 capital investment programme.

The report adds: “This report is not seeking to draw down any of the £10m in approved funding at this stage.”

Wombwell

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In Wombwell, the acquisition of the Burton’s building is proposed, as part of a £3m investment to bring empty buildings back into use.

A community art project is proposed as part of a £70,000 scheme, and £200,000 is earmarked for improvements to Wombwell’s parks and green spaces.

Improved walking and cycling routes from Wombwell to Worsbrough are also included in the plans, at a cost of £225,000.

£50,000 will be used to find a site for a potential gym, in collaboration with Barnsley premier Leisure.

Cudworth

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Plans on the table in Cudworth include £3m to aquire The Crescent to create a new business space with a community square, and £5m to redesign or re-build the Ramsden building for public sector uses.

A further £750,000 is earmarked to acquiring and demolish Bow Streetto create a Market Square.

Funding of £250,000 will create a pocket park , improve play equipment, and create an art and nature sculpture trail

The crossing at the junction between Snydale Road and Barnsley Road will be imrpoved at a cost of £30,000.

Hoyland

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In Hoyland, £2m is proposed to acquire, demolish and redevelop theHeron block, and a further £900,000 will fund a youth employment hub and other schemes to reduce the number of people not in work or education.

Milton Hall and other “existing assets” will be refurbished at a cost of £300,000, and £250,000 will be used to improve to Hoyland’s parks and green spaces, including a new nature sculpture trail.

The feasibility of a solar farm in Hoyland will be investigated, at a cost of £75,000.

Penistone

In Penistone, £7m is proposed Develop Lairds Way to facilitate parking,, and look to incorporate a space for Barnsley Premier Leisure.

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A further £3m is earmarked for the acquisition and refurbishment of the Coal Drops to create a centre for start-ups and artisan units.

The town’s Market Barns will be weatherproofed at a cost of £200,000, to “enable a wide range of events”.

Royston

In Royston, £4m will be used to redesign the leisure centre, in partnership with Barnsley Premier Leisure.

£900,000 will be used to invest in the high street, and £2m will create industrial units and office space at a new enterprise park at Monckton.

A new community cafe will be developed at the Lifelong Learning Centre.

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