Barnsley Council will invest £2.432m to upgrade its main operational depot at Smithies Lane. The site houses refuse wagons, gritters, and highways teams and has reached full capacity following the closure of several satellite depots. The infrastructure has been described as worn and in need of substantial improvement to meet health and safety standards.
Planned works include rebuilding the transport workshop, resurfacing depot areas, upgrading heating systems in staff facilities, installing new vehicle lifts, repairing the salt dome, and enhancing security with a gatehouse and perimeter fencing. Refurbishments to staff cabins and canteen and shower facilities are also included. The transport workshop rebuild is scheduled after 2025/26 and will depend on future funding approval.
Council officials have confirmed that frontline services, including refuse collection and highways maintenance, will continue without disruption during the upgrade. The project forms part of the council’s Be Safe Work Safe initiative, aimed at providing safe and modern working conditions across its services.
