Barnsley Dearne 2040 vision and masterplan

Aims of the vision and masterplan

Goldthorpe and the Dearne have been long-term priority regeneration areas. Over £23.1m of investment has already been secured through the Towns Fund Deal to regenerate, renew and revitalise Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton upon Dearne.  

The Dearne towns are well-located, and good progress has already been made with projects such as the refurbishment of the Dearne Playhouse, development of Horse and Groom Square, and building new homes at Lapwing View. However, there hasn’t been one overarching plan for the area. The new vision and masterplan aims to change this.  

Even with the previous investment, the Dearne still faces challenges. These include:  

• lots of poor‑quality and low‑value housing, especially in the centre of Goldthorpe 
• empty buildings in the town centre, which make the high street less appealing 
• few local education options for young people after age 16 
• limited job opportunities 
• poor transport links both within the Dearne and to other places 

The vision looks at the area’s current conditions and future market trends. It shows what needs to improve and highlights the strengths the area can build on. The goal is to help Goldthorpe and the Dearne become a unique, sustainable and thriving area where people want to live, work and spend their time.  

What the plan will focus on

The vision suggests ideas such as:  

• providing a choice of homes to help existing residents and attract new ones  
• making the high street more welcoming and livelier by making better use of empty buildings and spaces, and adding more trees and plants   
• improving links between important local places, such as cultural and community assets 
• creating active travel routes so that people can walk and cycle safely  
• giving young people more choices after age 16 by improving education, training and access to jobs across the borough   

The masterplan will be used to support future funding bids at local, regional and national levels. It also links with our housing strategy helping to make the best use of council-owned buildings and sites. It will also guide private development in the area, as Local Plan housing allocation sites come forward.  

Supporting our priorities

• Healthy:  improving housing and local places to support better physical and mental health .
• Learning:  investing in homes, jobs and skills to help people reach their potential.
• Growing:  supporting new businesses, better job opportunities and a wider choice of quality, affordable homes.
• Sustainable: promoting energy-efficient homes, better walking and cycling routes, and helping people look after and be proud of their local area.

Next steps

We're running a public consultation on our draft Barnsley Dearne 2040 vision and masterplan to get your feedback.

The public consultation survey results will be analysed and will help shape the final design and content of the Barnsley Dearne 2040 vision and masterplan. The final document will be submitted for approval through the council’s governance process, prior to publication on our website. It's hoped that the final document will be published in summer 2026.  

Once published, the Barnsley Dearne 2040 vision and masterplan will provide a framework for improvements in the physical environment and housing, enhanced accessibility, strengthened amenities, and access to educational opportunities and jobs. It will inform future investment opportunities in the area and ensure that they support local needs.