Work is underway to help make a community centre in Bolton-on-Dearne fit for the future.

The Renaissance Centre on Priory Road will be closed until next spring to allow a range of modernisation plans to take shape.

The works include replacing the roof, redecorating walls and ceilings, rewiring throughout the centre, and replacing doors, radiators and lights.

An air-source heat pump will also be installed to help cut the centre’s energy bills.

Contractors O&P Construction Services Ltd have been appointed following a tender process to carry out the works.

The transformation of the Renaissance Centre, which is home to craft, fitness and other community groups, is part of the Council’s Principal Towns and Local Centres programme. 

We've already invested £5 million into our six Principal Towns and ten Local Centres to help them thrive, with another £30 million planned over the next five years.  

As part of our work to modernise community centres in Barnsley, we will also be carrying out improvements at New Lodge Community Centre and Mapplewell Village Hall over the coming months.

New Lodge Community Centre is set to benefit from extensions to the kitchen, offices and storage facilities, as well as new doors, roof improvements, fencing and brickwork repairs and the installation of solar panels. A contractor has been chosen to bring the plans to life and is due to start work on-site soon.

The works at Mapplewell will include replacing the roof and ceilings and improving the way the centre is laid out.

The formal tender process for the project was launched on Tuesday.

The works will take place at the same time as the refurbishment and modernisation of the library within the same building.

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “I’m pleased to see work beginning on improving and future-proofing The Renaissance Centre.

“Refurbishing and redecorating the centre will make it a more pleasant place for people to meet, play and relax.

“This is the first in a series of projects to get underway to update and modernise community centres across Barnsley.

“A key aim of our Principal Towns and Local Centres programme is providing welcoming facilities at the heart of thriving communities and I’m sure the beginning of these works will be welcomed by people living in Bolton on Dearne.”

The Renaissance Centre is owned and managed by Dearne Valley Venture.

Malcolm Jevons, chairman of trustees, said: “We are delighted that Barnsley Council chose the Renaissance Centre for this transformational investment.

“It will provide a much-improved facility that can serve local people for many years to come."