Cabinet members to discuss the Smithies Lane Depot Capital Investment Programme

Next week, Cabinet members will discuss a £2.432M investment into Smithies Lane Depot.

This investment is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining safe, efficient, and modern working environments for our teams. It reflects our dedication to the Be Safe Work Safe campaign, which promotes safe, healthy, and respectful workplaces across all Council services.

Smithies Lane Depot has been central to our operations over 50 years and as such requires essential updates to its infrastructure to ensure it is a sustainable and comfortable environment for our employees. As services have grown, so has the opportunity to enhance the site to improve operational resilience, efficiency, and make sure facilities remain fit for purpose.

The depot is home to the Council’s front-line services and many operational vehicles including Waste and Neighbourhoods, Recycling, Highways, and Fleet Maintenance.

The proposed investment will help to ensure the Depot continues to meet modern standards for health, safety, and operational efficiency. Planned improvements include upgrades to heating, security, and staff facilities, alongside resurfacing, workshop enhancements, and equipment replacements. 

These works are designed to future-proof the depot and make sure it continues to meet the needs of the teams who keep Barnsley running.

Cllr James Higginbottom, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Highways, said: “Smithies Lane Depot is at the heart of our frontline services.

“This investment is about future-proofing the site, supporting our dedicated teams, and ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality services in a safe and sustainable way.

“It’s a clear demonstration of our commitment to the Be Safe Work Safe campaign and to the people who keep Barnsley running every day."