Barnsley 2030

We're using the £10.2 million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund to improve scheme for our young people in Barnsley. We'll keep you updated with the progress of key projects in Barnsley town centre that are funded by the Levelling Up Fund.

From Thursday 10 August 2023 to 31 January 2024, you can have your say on the activity park. It can be found next to where the town centre’s Youth Zone will be.

YMCA/HOME Hub

Working with our key partners YMCA Barnsley and Chilypep, we'll redevelop the complementary Young People’s Wellbeing Hub ‘HOME’ based at YMCA and make some major upgrades to the YMCA building and grounds.

Our Stakeholders said:

“YMCA Barnsley has given vital open access youth work for over 150 years and HOME offers holistic wrap around support. It also gives creative and therapeutic activities for young people that support their mental health. The redevelopment of YMCA’s building in the heart of Barnsley will allow YMCA and Chilypep to continue to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for children and young people locally.”

Surveys and consultations have taken place in the spring and early summer of 2023. Consultations will continue to happen to help inform the design of the upgrades.

Working with our key partners YMCA Barnsley and Chilypep, we’ll:

  • Redevelop the outside of the building so that it's fit for the future.
  • Upgrade entrances and create a new entrance into the building.
  • Upgrade the sports hall for all-year use.
  • Upgrade the plumbing and electrics for more efficient use.
  • Create a multi-use outdoor area.
  • Refurbish some youth activity areas.
  • Upgrade a kitchen so that it’s fit for future use.

Want to know more about the YMCA?

You can view our YMCA Impact Report or visit the YMCA Barnsley YouTube channel. 

You can also watch Archie's story. Archie is one of our young volunteers and he talks about his experiences at YMCA Barnsley.

Youth Activity Park

We'll create a new activity park next to the town centre’s future Youth Zone. It will include a skate park, bike track, new active routes and play spaces. This project will be co-designed and delivered with our young people. Currently, we’re gathering people’s thoughts on what the activity park should have, do, and provide for young people.

Northern Academy for Vocal Excellence (NAVE)

We'll create a new NAVE to deliver singing tuition to young people. This will also serve as a home to the world-renowned  Barnsley Youth Choir. The choir is ranked fifth in the Interkultur World Rankings (the highest ranked choir from Great Britain). It's won eight first prizes in some of the most important international competitions in the world.

The NAVE will bring back into use our former computer centre building on the corner of St Mary’s Place and Westgate. It can be found behind the Town Hall. Built in 1879, it was previously the courthouse for the town until the new court was built in 1970.

Barnsley Civic

The Levelling Up Fund is also helping with the refurbishment of Barnsley Civic, a contemporary arts centre, including theatre and gallery, to secure its future and extend its reach. This will bring into use parts of the building that haven’t been used for many years. It will offer the chance for the group to work with and attract new audiences. The project will also help to attract a younger audience - especially under 30s. It'll help support and develop their skills and talents. This project is due to be complete in late 2023.

Barnsley Civic Artsists Impression