New square to bring life to neglected shopping area

WORK started this week on a new town square aimed at providing a popular new hub for a neglected shopping spot in the Dearne Valley.

Barnsley Council hopes the new public space being created as part of the Heart of Goldthorpe project will be somewhere to “linger, relax, socialise and find peace”.

It is part of the £23.1 million Towns Fund investment, which also involves improvements at Thurnscoe’s Phoenix Park.

The works — taking place partly on the site of the demolished Horse and Groom pub, which had long stood derelict, will include hard and soft landscaping with curved planting beds, informal seating and contrasting paving patterns.

There will be an area for reflection and a spot for the new market, as well as capacity for community events.

Views from residents and businesses have helped shape the design of the new square, with architects looking at feedback following several face-to-face consultations on the site, in the library, and through an online survey.

Contractor N T Killingley Ltd is expected to fit paving and market stall bases next month and planters in August, with all work aimed for completion by September.

Matthew Stephens, acting chairperson of the Goldthorpe Town Board which is overseeing the Towns Fund projects, said: “Through Towns Fund investment, we’re working together to create a thriving community where people can choose to live, invest and excel.

“Projects have been drawn up in response to local people’s priorities following consultation with local communities.

“It’s really exciting to see the Heart of Goldthorpe project getting underway.

“This is going to be a really high-quality square local people will enjoy using and will help give a lift to the wider town centre.

“This is just one of five key projects we’ve been able to fund through this once-in-a-generation investment, and I know local people will be impressed when they see this work completed.”

Phoenix Park — once the site of the former Hickleton Main Colliery — will have a new visitor hub, more play facilities and improved car parking and active travel links under the Towns Fund plans.

A new community and cultural hub will be developed with the refurbishment of the existing Dearne Playhouse and creation of a “a refreshed outdoor multi-functional performance and community events space”.

There are plans for widespread engagement and consultation with young people about what youth club or sports activities they would like to see.

Other projects include development of a new business park just outside Goldthorpe, a housing scheme replacing demolished houses on on Cooperative and Victoria Street with low-carbon, affordable, rental homes

You can see more information about Towns Fund investment at barnsley.gov.uk/TownsFund.