A Barnsley village hall and library is to benefit from £450,000 of investment as part of Barnsley Council’s work to enhance community facilities across the borough.

Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall and the library in the same building will undergo major improvements over the next few months, with preliminary works to start next week.

Improvements to the charity-run village hall will have a positive impact on all aspects of the day-to-day running of the building – but much of it will go unnoticed by visitors, with only a few ‘cosmetic’ changes being made to the public areas.

The £350,000 programme, funded by the Council’s Principal Towns and Local Centres programme, includes 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 £100,000 transformation of the community library, which will be temporarily closed from 28 March, includes layout improvements, new carpets and redecoration, new shelving and furniture and an enhanced children’s library.

Village Hall Manager Nick Hibberd said: “Over the years, we have worked hard to be accepted as a key central hub, offering much more than a traditional village hall in what we try to attract to the area for the benefit of the whole community. 

“For this reason, this is seen as much more than a financial investment. It recognises the dedication and commitment of the Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall charity and all of their efforts to make a real difference to the people of Mapplewell, Staincross and the surrounding community.”

Mr Hibberd said he was confident that the building would remain open and operational throughout the works, with the use of different entrances and exits.

Tenants such as the nursery and the rifle club will be able to continue to operate as normal, as well as day-to-day activities, most of which operate at weekends and evenings.

Wath Upon Dearne based O&P Construction Services, specialists in such major capital projects, will begin preparation on-site on Friday, 1 March and hope to complete the works in under 20 weeks.

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “This investment is fantastic news for Mapplewell, Staincross and the surrounding area.

“The village hall is a vital hub for social and cultural activities, and these works will help to enhance its role and appeal, as the hall will be future-proofed and become more energy-efficient.

“The village hall committee have shown great vision and passion for making the hall a welcoming place for everyone.

“The council is committed to ensuring our communities are connected and thriving, and I’m sure this project will make a positive difference to the lives of many people in Mapplewell and beyond.”

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.

This is the second major investment in the community facilities in less than 18 months, following a £205,000 refurbishment of the main hall, which was funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

The work was completed in August last year and included the stripping back of all the walls and ceiling as well as the introduction of a full stage, lighting and sound system to put on local productions.

Councillor Franklin added: “Together with the investment in 2023, this fresh programme of works will ensure that the village hall will continue to be a thriving hub offering a diverse range of activities for all ages, bringing people together, supporting community cohesion and wellbeing and enhancing the identity of Mapplewell as a special place.”