Work is underway to update and modernise a community centre in New Lodge.

The renovation and refurbishment of New Lodge Community Centre, which will be closed until next spring, 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.  

New Lodge Community Centre will benefit from extensions to the offices and storage facilities, as well as new doors, roof improvements, fencing and brickwork repairs and the installation of solar panels.

Contractor the Roy Wright Group is leading the task of bringing the plans to life at the centre, which is managed by community group Ad Astra.

Director Michelle Cooper said: “The staff team and our community users are thrilled that we are having this refurbishment of our much-used centre.

“Everyone will be excited to move back into the refurbished centre.

“This will allow us to continue the great community cohesion work we are doing in the St Helen’s area.”

New Lodge Community Centre delivers a wide and varied programme of activities, from sessions for pre-school and school-aged children to support groups for men and women and food support services.

Michelle said: “All of this allows us to offer a smooth transition through the ages and as a follow-on from the wellbeing support that we offer local primary and secondary schools.” 

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “Transforming and updating New Lodge Community Centre will make a huge difference for the people who enjoy meeting and spending time there.

“Refurbishing and redecorating the centre will make it a more welcoming place to work, play and relax and shows our commitment to updating and modernising community centres across Barnsley.

“A key aim of our Principal Towns and Local Centres programme is to ensure our communities are thriving and connected, and I’m sure the beginning of these works will be welcomed by people living in New Lodge.”

As part of our work to modernise community centres in Barnsley, we are also carrying out improvements at the Renaissance Centre in Bolton on Dearne and Mapplewell Village Hall.

Find out more about our Principal Towns and Local Centres programme.