Regeneration
One of the aims of our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme is for all our communities to be thriving and connected.
We are committed to ensuring the benefits of our investment are felt right across Barnsley.
As well as the six Principal Towns of Cudworth, Goldthorpe, Hoyland, Penistone, Royston and Wombwell, the programme aims to benefit the following local village centres:
- Darfield
- Darton East
- Darton West
- Dearne South
- Dodworth
- Kingstone
- Monk Bretton
- North East
- Old Town
- Stairfoot
- St Helen’s
- Worsbrough
Find out more about how we're investing in enhancing these areas:
New Lodge Community Centre
New Lodge Community Centre, a facility in St Helens that offers various activities and support services for the local community, is undergoing a major renovation and refurbishment project.
Works at the centre, which is managed by community group Ad Astra, include extensions to the offices and storage facilities, new doors, roof improvements, fencing and brickwork repairs and solar panels.
The staff and users of the centre are excited about the outcome and look forward to continuing their community cohesion work in the St Helen’s area.
The Renaissance Centre, Bolton on Dearne
This centre in the Dearne South ward hosts various craft, fitness and community groups.
It was closed last November for a major renovation project as part of the Council’s Principal Towns and Local Centres programme.
The renovation works include replacing the roof, rewiring the electrical system, redecorating the interior, and installing new doors, radiators and lights.
The centre – which is managed by Dearne Valley Venture - will also benefit from an air-source heat pump, which will reduce its energy consumption and environmental impact.
The modernisation of the Renaissance Centre will make it more attractive and comfortable for the users and the community.
Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall and Library
Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall is a popular venue in the north of the borough which hosts numerous community groups and activities.
The centre was refurbished in 2023 with National Lottery funding and a new programme of works began in March 2024 under the Council’s Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme.
The council-funded works at Mapplewell are taking place alongside transformation works to the library in the same building.
The council-funded works include updating all the lighting to LED lighting inside and out, replacing the main boiler and heating system and making improvements to sewerage, as well as to the foyer and other key areas of the building.
The village hall hosts a range of activities every week, from aerobics, art and ballroom dancing to a toddler group, yoga and Zumba, with more details available on their website.
Great Houghton Village Hall
Great Houghton Village Hall – which is managed by Great Houghton Parish Council - hosts a range of community groups and offers meeting facilities.
The Council is working on plans to modernise and enhance the village hall’s facilities.
The planned works include replacing the roof, updating the village hall’s kitchen, extending the officer and improvements to lighting and…
Wombwell Football Club
Wombwell Football Club provides training, fitness and catering facilities for the community.
Proposed works include an accessible pathway around the club, improvements to the community room and major electrical rewiring.
Works are due to start in spring 2024 and be completed by autumn 2024.
Support for businesses
A range of support is available to businesses in the local area. This includes support and advice for those looking to start their own business.
Find out more from:
Building your skills
Skills and employability support
Get involved in your community
Volunteering opportunities
You can find volunteering opportunities on the Barnsley CVS website, or contact your local area team.
Find out more about how to get started as a volunteer.
We post photos of people taking part in projects like community clean-ups and bulb-planting, as well as upcoming activities you could get involved with. For more information email southareateam@barnsley.gov.uk.
Organising your own events
We like to hear your ideas about how to improve where you live. You might even find other like-minded people in your area who'd be happy to get together to make improvements.
You can also apply for funding through your ward alliance for a project if you can show that it meets the local priorities for your area.
Your Area Team
Our Area Teams are at the heart of their communities, organising, supporting and promoting local events and helping people access council services and advice.
Keeping your neighbourhood safe
Your local policing team
Your neighbourhood policing team is responsible for crime prevention and community safety.
You can meet the teams, get in touch and find details of Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings on their dedicated pages on the South Yorkshire Police website.
Report crime and anti-social via the South Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101. Dial 999 in an emergency.
Neighbourhood wardens
Our neighbourhood wardens are working hard in our communities to combat environmental crime and anti social behaviour, but they rely on your help and support.
I’d like to be kept informed
We send updates by email to those who have asked to be kept informed. If you'd like to receive regular updates about what's going in your community, sign up to our newsletter.