Proposal to demolish derelict buildings for park

A new park is being proposed for Cudworth

A row of derelict buildings could be demolished to make way for a new urban park.

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council said the green space in Barnsley Road, Cudworth, would be a "haven at the heart of the high street" and offer a place to "meet, relax and unwind".

The plans, which are subject to planning approval, would see the row of largely unoccupied buildings, known as The Crescent, knocked down.

The council said the new park would have "appealing" landscaped areas, new paving, seating and a small clock tower, which would make "an attractive ornamental feature".

The scheme is part of the next phase of Cudworth's regeneration under the council's Principal Towns and Local Centres programme.

Residents are invited to comment on the wider masterplan, which includes measures to ease traffic flow and provide extra parking.

Two public engagement events are set to take place at Cudworth Library on 28 November and 8 December.

This is the first in a collection of new masterplans for Cudworth, Goldthorpe, Hoyland, Penistone, Royston and Wombwell.

'Place of possibilities'

Improvements in Cudworth have so far included resurfacing work, extra car parking and grants for 55 businesses to improve their shopfronts.

A disused public toilet block on Barnsley Road has also been turned into a green space, called St John's Gardens.

Councillor Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said he was "delighted" to bring forward the plans for Cudworth's "already busy and welcoming" high street.

"Our Principal Towns and Local Centres programme has already delivered significant improvements for high streets, town centres and communities across the borough," he said.

"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."

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