Barnsley Council has set out a draft masterplan for the next phase of Cudworth’s town centre regeneration, outlining proposals aimed at improving public spaces, supporting local businesses and enhancing the overall trading environment.
A planning application has been submitted for a new urban park on Barnsley Road at the top end of the high street. The site, currently occupied by The Crescent — a largely vacant row of ageing buildings — is earmarked for demolition. The proposed park would introduce landscaped areas, new paving, seating and a small clock tower, subject to approval.
The council says the wider vision is to build on previous investment and create a more accessible, attractive and resilient town centre. 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.
“Please come along to our community engagement events to see what we have planned to drive Cudworth’s future prosperity.”
The masterplan includes proposals to improve traffic flow, add parking capacity and upgrade the public realm. It follows the Town Centre Investment Plan introduced in 2022 and is one of several new plans being developed for the six Principal Towns: Cudworth, Goldthorpe, Hoyland, Penistone, Royston and Wombwell.
Two public engagement events will take place at the refurbished Cudworth Library on 28 November and 8 December to present design concepts and priority sites.
Cudworth has already benefited from earlier funding through the Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme, including shopfront improvements for 55 businesses, new CCTV, added car parking, roundabout resurfacing at Barnsley Road/Cudworth Parkway and the creation of St John’s Gardens from a previously unused site.
The broader programme has delivered upgrades across Barnsley, including projects in Wombwell, Mapplewell, Staincross, Hoyland, Great Houghton and New Lodge. Plans announced in the autumn set out further enhancements at Penistone Town Hall, including an extra cinema screen and café bar, as part of ongoing investment in community facilities.
