A new-look town square has been officially opened in Hoyland by the Mayor of Barnsley after significant investment to make the town centre more attractive and welcoming.
Cllr James Michael Stowe applied the final touch to the programme of works at Hoyland Town Square today (7 May) when he laid a commemorative flagstone.
The work was carried out by the council’s in-house construction services team as part of our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme.
It included:
- Repaving the Town Square
- Installing new seating
- Landscaping works
- Painting canopies and street lighting
- Improvements to the facade of the former Co-op building
- Fitting power points for market stalls
Business owner Kate Jenkinson, of Yorkshire Coffee Roasters, said: “It’s exactly what was needed: it looks lovely.
“It’s a nice area for people to congregate and have a drink, especially in the coming summer months.”
Dawn Markham, who owns the Utopia fashion store, said: “I’m happy with how it looks. It looks really nice - much better than before.”
Matt O'Neill, Executive Director for Growth and Sustainability, said: “I am delighted to see the completion of this programme of works.
“Building on the initial scheme delivered last year, they have refreshed and brightened up the Town Square, making it an inviting place to shop and visit and increasing the vibrancy of Hoyland town centre.
“The MAYhem street circus festival is coming to the square this Saturday and I hope it will be the first of many popular events taking place in this attractive and welcoming space.
“This project highlights our ongoing commitment to investing in and improving our high streets and public realm and I look forward to seeing the results of our hard work.”
Our investment in Hoyland has also included helping 50 business owners update their shopfronts, adding a new pathway and improved vehicle access to Duke Street car park and resurfacing a well-used pathway from King Street.
We are also working with a tenant to bring the former Co-op building back into public use.
Under our Principal Towns and Local Centres programme, we’ve already put £5 million into improving our high streets and communities across Barnsley, with another £30 million planned over the next five years.
The programme aims to ensure our high streets are thriving and appealing places to visit and that everyone can benefit from a pleasant and safe shopping experience.
The flagstone laid by the Mayor reads: “Hoyland Town Square 2024. Laid by the Worshipful Mayor of Barnsley, Councillor James Michael Stowe.”
Caption: The Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr James Michael Stowe, helps to lay the commemorative flagstone at Hoyland Town Square.
