Regeneration
One of the aims of our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme is for all our communities to be thriving and connected.
We are committed to ensuring the benefits of our investment are felt right across Barnsley.
As well as the six Principal Towns of Cudworth, Goldthorpe, Hoyland, Penistone, Royston and Wombwell, the programme aims to benefit the following local village centres:
- Darfield
- Darton East
- Darton West
- Dearne South
- Dodworth
- Kingstone
- Monk Bretton
- North East
- Old Town
- Stairfoot
- St Helen’s
- Worsbrough
Find out more about how we're investing in enhancing these areas:
New Lodge Community Centre
New Lodge Community Centre, a facility in St Helens that offers various activities and support services for the local community, is undergoing a major renovation and refurbishment project.
Works at the centre, which is managed by community group Ad Astra, include extensions to the offices and storage facilities, new doors, roof improvements, fencing and brickwork repairs and solar panels.
The staff and users of the centre are excited about the outcome and look forward to continuing their community cohesion work in the St Helen’s area.
The Renaissance Centre, Bolton on Dearne
This centre in the Dearne South ward hosts various craft, fitness and community groups.
It was closed last November for a major renovation project as part of our Principal Towns and Local Centres programme.
The renovation works include replacing the roof, rewiring the electrical system, redecorating the interior, and installing new doors, radiators and lights.
The centre – which is managed by Dearne Valley Venture - will also benefit from an air-source heat pump, which will reduce its energy consumption and environmental impact.
The modernisation of the Renaissance Centre will make it more attractive and comfortable for the users and the community.
Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall and Library
Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall is a popular venue in the north of the borough which hosts various community groups and activities.
The centre was refurbished and future-proofed under our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme, with the works completed in August 2024.
We updated all the lighting to LED lighting inside and out, replaced the main boiler and heating system and made improvements to sewerage, as well as to the foyer and other key areas of the building.
The village hall is now more welcoming to all visitors, as well as being more sustainable and energy-efficient.
A range of activities are available every week, from aerobics, art and ballroom dancing to a toddler group, yoga and Zumba, with more details available on the Mapplewell and Staincross Library webpage.
The council-funded works to the village hall took place alongside transformation works to the library in the same building, which were funded by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.
Great Houghton Miners' Welfare Hall
Work has begun on a major refurbishment of the miners’ welfare hall in Great Houghton, as part of the Council’s Principal Towns and Local Centres programme.
The project will improve the facilities and energy efficiency of the hall, which is run by Great Houghton Parish Council and hosts various community groups and activities.
The works are expected to be completed by late autumn 2024 and will be carried out by O&P Construction Services.
Wombwell Football Club
Wombwell Town Football Club is undergoing a makeover as part of the Council's plans to revitalise local centres.
The clubhouse will be refurbished, rewired and damp-proofed and a new outside decking area added.
The transformation is part of the Principal Towns and Local Centres programme, which aims to enhance community facilities around the borough.
The works are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Support for businesses
A range of support is available to businesses in the local area. This includes support and advice for those looking to start their own business.
Find out more from:
Building your skills
Skills and employability support
Get involved in your community
Volunteering opportunities
You can find volunteering opportunities on the Barnsley CVS website, or contact your local area team.
Find out more about how to get started as a volunteer.
We post photos of people taking part in projects like community clean-ups and bulb-planting, as well as upcoming activities you could get involved with. For more information email southareateam@barnsley.gov.uk.
Organising your own events
We like to hear your ideas about how to improve where you live. You might even find other like-minded people in your area who'd be happy to get together to make improvements.
You can also apply for funding through your ward alliance for a project if you can show that it meets the local priorities for your area.
Your Area Team
Our Area Teams are at the heart of their communities, organising, supporting and promoting local events and helping people access council services and advice.
Keeping your neighbourhood safe
Your local policing team
Your neighbourhood policing team is responsible for crime prevention and community safety.
You can meet the teams, get in touch and find details of Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings on their dedicated pages on the South Yorkshire Police website.
Report crime and anti-social via the South Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101. Dial 999 in an emergency.
Neighbourhood wardens
Our neighbourhood wardens are working hard in our communities to combat environmental crime and anti social behaviour, but they rely on your help and support.
I’d like to be kept informed
We send updates by email to those who have asked to be kept informed. If you'd like to receive regular updates about what's going in your community, sign up to our newsletter.