New Lodge Community Centre transformed by Principal Towns investment

A much-loved community hub in Barnsley is now fit for the future thanks to investment under our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme.

New Lodge Community Centre has been given a major makeover, with new doors and fencing, roofing improvements and brickwork repairs.

Local company O&P Construction also created extra space by adding office extensions and new storage facilities.

Solar panels and an air-source heat pump have been installed to make the centre more energy-efficient and cut its fuel bills.

Our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme aims to support Barnsley’s six Principal Towns and ten Local Centres to thrive and become more connected and resilient.

We’ve already delivered improvements at locations across Barnsley, including Mapplewell and Staincross Library, Penistone Town Hall, Hoyland Town Square and Great Houghton Miners’ Welfare Hall.

New Lodge Community Centre is managed by community group Ad Astra.

The much-valued centre is at the heart of the community and offers a wide and varied programme of activities.

These range from sessions for pre-school and school-aged children, to support groups for men and women and food support services.

A special event was held this week to celebrate Ad Astra securing Lottery funding to continue their work and the completion of the refurbishment.

Michelle Cooper, director of Ad Astra, said: “It has been wonderful to welcome back our community to our refurbished and updated centre.

“The transformation funded by this investment from the council has made the centre more spacious, comfortable and energy-efficient – we think it’s amazing.

“We look forward to the centre continuing to bring people together, fostering connections and strengthening our community.”

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We are proud to have invested in New Lodge Community Centre as part of our Principal Towns and Local Centres programme, which is making a positive difference for our communities across Barnsley.

“The centre is a vital hub for people of all ages and backgrounds, and these works have already begun to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of the residents who use it.

“We’re committed to building and maintaining happy, healthy communities and I hope everyone enjoys the new and improved facilities and services at the centre.”

Find out more about how we’re investing in our Principal Towns and Local Village Centres and how you can get involved in your community at Barnsley.gov.uk/principaltowns.

Caption: Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture (left) and the Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr David Leech (right), joined the celebrations at New Lodge Community Centre.