Barnsley Council has approved plans which will see £1 million spent on improving the look of district town centres. This follows discussions with local business leaders and community organisations around the regeneration of towns throughout the borough.
 
Barnsley Shop front improvement is a shop front improvement scheme has been agreed which will overhaul the current appearance of high streets in Goldthorpe, Cudworth, Royston, Athersley, Darfield, Dodworth, Grimethorpe, Lundwood, Mapplewell, Stairfoot and Thurnscoe. Local businesses will also be contributing towards the scheme.
 
The move comes as part of the innovative principal towns programme which will see the council invest £5 million in community-led projects within Barnsley’s Principal Towns and local centres.
 
Barnsley Shop front improvement, the council is working with community organisations to shape and deliver projects focussed on developing a thriving high street and stimulating strong and resilient communities. It is hoped that, in addition to the council’s contribution, these exciting improvements will also encourage investment from the private sector and other funding streams to maximise income generation across the borough. 

Barnsley town centre is in the middle of a huge programme of transformation which has already seen a significant amount of investment. The Principal Towns funding is being used to kick-start wider investment across local high streets to make sure the benefits of economic regeneration are felt across the borough.
 
Cllr Jenny Platts, Cabinet Spokesperson for Communities, said: “The shop fronts scheme is an exciting and imaginative approach which will help deliver the improvements that residents want to see. We’re committed to making sure the Principal Towns programme works directly with communities to deliver the best possible outcomes. The programme will encourage investment which will continue to reap the benefits for the people and businesses in district towns for years to come.”

Residents are invited to provide feedback about the Principal Towns programme at the following dates and locations:

• Monday 5 February 10am to 12pm – Goldthorpe high street
• Tuesday 6 February 10am to 12pm – Wombwell Wilko
• Wednesday 7 February 10am to 12pm – Cudworth Co-op
• Wednesday 7 February 12.30pm to 2pm – Royston Co-op
• Wednesday 7 February 2.30pm to 4pm – Royston Asda
• Thursday 8 February 10am to 12pm – Penistone Market
• Tuesday 13 February 10am to 12pm – Hoyland Co-op

Barnsley Shop front improvement, more information can be found here: www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/better-barnsley/improving-your-local-high-street/