Plans submitted for new community facility at Rabbit Ings in Royston

Barnsley Council has submitted plans for a new for a new multi-purpose facility at Rabbit Ings Country Park in Royston as part of our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme. 

If granted planning approval, this would be a major investment designed to support local people, strengthen community involvement, and enhance the visitor experience at one of the borough’s most treasured country parks. 

Our ongoing Principal Towns and Local Centres Investment Programme has already put more than £11 million into improving high streets and community spaces across Barnsley, with more investment planned over the coming years. 

We want to upgrade what is available at Rabbit Ings, where community facilities are currently limited. This would mean sports clubs and community groups could enjoy the country park even more. 

Under the new proposals, which are subject to funding approval, the existing facilities would be replaced with a sustainable, multifunctional building. 

The proposed facility would include: 

• Modern sports changing rooms
• A community classroom space 
• A design that complements the surrounding landscape
• Replacement parking spaces to ensure there is no loss of parking spaces for park users 

We are working with partners to establish arrangements for managing the facility after the proposed works are completed. 

A set of CGI images is available to help people visualise what the proposed building will look like and how it will fit into the surrounding landscape. 

We have held community engagement events with the public at Royston Library and the feedback received so far on the plans has been very positive.  

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said:

“I am pleased that people in Royston have taken the chance to see and comment on our plans to upgrade the facilities at Rabbit Ings. 

“This major investment through our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme aims to create new opportunities for learning, health and community activity at this treasured location.” 

The new Rabbit Ings facility would support wider ambitions for a Healthy Barnsley, helping more people enjoy outdoor spaces, cultural experiences and leisure opportunities.  

It would also strengthen our aims for a Learning Barnsley by enabling more school and youth groups to visit, learn about the natural environment, and build social connections. 

This project also supports our aims under the Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy to ensure people in every part of Barnsley can benefit from our investment in the borough. 

You can find out more about our borough-wide investment on our Principal Towns and Local Village Centres webpage.