Barnsley puts Towns Fund cash to work

NT Killingley has been appointed to deliver the Goldthorpe town square project, part of the borough’s £23.1m Towns Fund allocation. Work will start this month.

Work will start immediately, with elements to include hard and soft landscaping with curved planting beds, informal seating and contrasting paving patterns.

The plans include space for a market area and room for community events.

The ‘Heart of Goldthorpe’ project is one of five main Towns Fund projects within Goldthorpe – one of the others being the redevelopment of the previous market site.

Site preparation will begin on Monday 5 June and continue throughout the month. Paving, edgings and market stall bases will be fitted through July, with planters installed in August. Planting and the fitting of benches is planned for the end of August. It is hoped all work will be completed by September.

Towns Fund investment in Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton upon Dearne supports Barnsley’s investment work in its principal towns and local centres, the council said.

Matthew Stephens, acting chairperson of the Goldthorpe Town Board, 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.”