Cudworth regen progresses
Barnsley Council is advancing the next phase of the town centre’s regeneration under its Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme, submitting an application to demolish a derelict row of buildings on the high street and replace it with an urban park.
Located on Barnsley Road, the proposed site is currently occupied by The Crescent
The council intends to demolish these structures to create space for the park, positioning it as a communal space where residents and visitors can meet at the heart of the high street.
The plans set out landscaped areas, which will be developed with input from the local community, alongside new paving, seating and a small clock tower designed as an ornamental focal point.
As part of the consultation process, the council is inviting the public to review and comment on the broader masterplan for Cudworth.
The document outlines potential measures to improve traffic flow, increase parking capacity and enhance the public realm.
It builds on the Town Centre Investment Plan presented to the council’s cabinet in 2022, itself shaped through significant engagement with residents.
Cudworth’s draft masterplan is the first in a series of new plans being prepared for the six Principal Towns: Cudworth, Goldthorpe, Hoyland, Penistone, Royston, and Wombwell.
Two public engagement sessions will take place at the newly refurbished Cudworth Library, where attendees can explore design concepts and view the key sites identified for improvement, held on 28 November from 12.30pm to 4pm, and 8 December from 9am to 12.30pm.
Recent years have already seen significant investment in Cudworth through the Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme, such as the council supporting 55 businesses in upgrading their shopfronts.
It has also enhanced public safety by installing CCTV cameras, created additional car parking, improved sightlines and safety by resurfacing the Barnsley Road/Cudworth Parkway roundabout, and transformed a formerly disused space on Barnsley Road into the landscaped St John’s Gardens.
Cllr Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “Our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme has already delivered significant improvements for high streets, town centres and communities across the borough.
“I’m delighted we are now bringing forward these exciting plans for a new phase of investment in Cudworth’s already-busy and welcoming town centre.
“We believe Barnsley is the place of possibilities, and this investment in Cudworth supports our mission through the Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy to ensure that everyone in the borough can share in this vision.”
