Major cinema upgrade planned in Penistone Town Hall refurbishment

We are excited to reveal our vision for the next phase of improvements to Penistone Town Hall under our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme.

We completely replaced the roof of the historic building, which houses the Penistone Paramount Cinema, last year to make it watertight and safeguard it for the future.

Now, we are preparing more exciting works to upgrade this popular leisure venue, including adding a second screening room with seating for up to 50 including wheelchair accessible spaces.

Introducing this extra capacity would mean the Paramount could offer blockbuster film releases similar to other multi-screen cinemas.

It would allow two films to be screened simultaneously and enable the cinema to offer a more diverse range of screenings such as National Theatre Live and smaller independent films.

The works, which are subject to planning and funding approval, would see the cinema’s facilities improved throughout, with a new café/bar, box office and concession stand located in the front section of the town hall.

We plan to make the facilities welcoming and attractive for all visitors, whether they are coming to watch a film or popping in for a coffee.

The planned redecoration of the public areas would be in keeping with the period features of the historic building, including retaining the coloured stain-glass roof light in the café-bar would be retained as a focal point of the new-look café/bar.

A planning application has been submitted for the cinema and Town Hall plans. Subject to planning permission and the sign-off of final designs and costs, work will begin next year.

We are working with the cinema’s operators, Penistone Town Council, to bring forward these plans.

This latest proposed investment in Penistone Town Hall is a key project in our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme. This widespread investment aims to support Barnsley’s six Principal Towns and ten Local Centres to thrive.

We’ve already delivered improvements at locations across Barnsley, including at Wombwell High Street, Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall and Library, Hoyland Town Square, Great Houghton Miners’ Welfare Hall and New Lodge Community Centre.

The works to the Paramount Cinema and the Town Hall aim to attract more visitors from Penistone and further afield and encourage wider use of the historic building.

Cllr Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “The Paramount Cinema is a jewel in Penistone’s crown. It already has a great reputation with film fans.

“These plans show our vision for making this historic venue even more welcoming and encouraging Penistone residents and people from further afield to visit and enjoy it for themselves.

“They also demonstrate our commitment to investing in valued community facilities as part of our mission to enable everyone in Barnsley to enjoy memorable cultural experiences."

We safeguarded Penistone Town Hall for the future when we commissioned Barnsley-based specialist contractors MAM Roofing to completely replace the roof.

The Town Hall building, which dates back to the 1910s, had previously suffered from leaks. 

The next phase of the project aims to provide a modern, comfortable cinema experience, strengthening the Paramount’s status as a landmark visitor destination.

Cllr David Greenhough, chair of Penistone Area Council, said: “Following the roofing repairs, it’s great to see the plans for the next phase of the Town Hall’s transformation.

“Upgrading the cinema facilities to add a second screen and the creation of a new café/bar area will make this special venue even more appealing. It will hopefully bring more people to Penistone to see what our wonderful town has to offer.”

Our ongoing investment in Principal Towns and Local Centres aims to ensure that everyone can share in our vision to make Barnsley the place of possibilities.

It also supports the aim under our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy to empower all our communities to thrive.

Find out more about this investment at www.barnsley.gov.uk/PrincipalTowns.

Notes to editors

Photos show how the interior and exterior of Penistone Town Hall could look following the proposed refurbishment. 

High-resolution versions of these images are available on request.