Cabinet supports next phase of investment through our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme

Barnsley Council’s Cabinet has formally supported the next phase of the Principal Towns and Local Centres Investment Programme, building on a track record of successful regeneration and community investment.

Since its launch, the Principal Towns and Local Centres Investment Programme has delivered significant change in Barnsley’s six Principal Towns - Cudworth, Goldthorpe, Hoyland, Penistone, Royston and Wombwell – as well as Local Village Centres across the borough.

We have committed to investing £15 million in three phases, with £11.9 million already invested and an additional £3.1 million approved, to drive the prosperity of our Barnsley communities.

The programme has seen more than 50 projects completed, including shop front improvements, community centre refurbishments and public realm enhancements.

Our investment has transformed and modernised community facilities and delivered improvements to our high streets and town centres, improving local economies around the borough and helping our high streets thrive.

Barnsley Council is now planning Phase 4 of this ambitious investment programme, and seeking to draw down up to £21 million of additional funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Gainshare Fund over the next five years.

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We want Barnsley to be the place of possibilities, and for everyone in the borough to be able to share in this vision.

“We are proud of how the Principal Towns and Local Centres programme has already made a real difference to our communities, supporting local businesses, improving public spaces, and creating opportunities for residents across Barnsley.

“Phase 4 will build on this success, with a strong focus on economic resilience, inclusive growth, and making our high streets and local centres stronger, more connected and more welcoming.

“As outlined in our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy, we’re committed to working with our partners and communities to ensure every part of Barnsley can thrive.”

Phase 4 of the programme sets out a bold vision for the future.

The proposed business case outlines five key themes:

• A Business Development and Resilience Fund to support local small and medium-sized businesses with grants, mentoring, and tailored advice.
• A Vacant Spaces Agency to bring empty retail units back into use.
• A Commercial Development and Property Fund to unlock new economic opportunities.
• A Specialist Housing Fund to deliver accommodation for residents with specific needs.
• A High Street Economic Development Fund to enhance the vibrancy and accessibility of Barnsley’s high streets through targeted community-led interventions.

This new phase of investment would build on the achievements made so far by the Principal Towns and Local Centres Investment Programme has funded a range of major projects, including:

·      A new community garden and extra parking in Cudworth
·      Complete re-roofing of Penistone Town Hall and plans brought forward for a second cinema screen for the Penistone Paramount Cinema
·      New heating, lighting and redecoration at Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall and Library
·      Paving, planters, seating and market stall anchor points at Hoyland Town Square
·      Refurbishment of the former Town Hall in Hoyland, which has reopened as Community Shop
·      New roofing, office space and kitchen facilities and upgraded heating at Great Houghton Miners’ Welfare Hall
·      New doors and fencing, roofing improvements and brickwork repairs at New Lodge Community Centre in St Helen’s
·      Replacing the roof, rewiring the electrical system, redecorating the interior, and installing new doors, radiators and lights at the Renaissance Centre in Bolton upon Dearne
·      Refurbishment, rewiring and damp-proofing and the installation of a new outside decking area at Wombwell Town Football Club
·      New fencing, landscaping and street scene improvements in Royston
·      New paving, seating, bins and planters, road resurfacing and painting of street furniture Wombwell High Street.

For further information about our ongoing investment in Barnsley’s Principal Towns and Local Centres, visit our Principal Towns webpage.