A NEW £10m funding package will be used to tackle a host of congestion pinch-points across Barnsley which will also help create more than 1,900 jobs, the Chronicle can reveal.
Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis confirmed that the town will receive £10.6m for its ‘economic growth corridor’ scheme which includes work to free up the flow of traffic at Dodworth roundabout, Capitol Close, Higham Lane, The Chestnut Tree’s roundabout in Barugh Green and cash for ‘improved’ traffic signals at junction 37.
The scheme will deliver 1,923 jobs for the town, according to Mr Jarvis.
Dan told the Chronicle: “I’m delighted this investment will help create nearly 2,000 good jobs and mean better connectivity for Barnsley.
“This type of intervention is vital for our town and with the right approach to economic development, regeneration and local governance, Barnsley will be best placed to succeed.
“What South Yorkshire needs now is the investment that will allow us to build an inclusive economy where everyone gets their fair share and enables our communities to thrive.
“The funding will go towards improving infrastructure and connectivity in the area by upgrading highways, access and traffic management.”
It’s being seen as a key aspect of the town’s ongoing regeneration, which includes a new one-way road system in Pogmoor, a 1,700-home site known as Barnsley West MU1 which is bordered by Pogmoor, Higham, Gawber and Barugh Green and includes a link road connecting it to the M1, as well up to £43m from the Transforming Cities Fund to further boost connectivity on the A61, A635 and A633.
“It is acknowledged that there is a shortage of appropriate employment development sites across Barnsley, significantly impacting on the ability to generate the number of new private jobs required,” a council report said.
“The purpose of the scheme is to contribute to the delivery of new and improved highways infrastructure works and on-site servicing works which will enable the delivery of a mixed-use employment and housing site, plus public open space and a new primary school in the vicinity of junction 37.
“Currently the limited supply of employment land and suitable buildings are severely restraining employment opportunities to attract new investment or allow existing businesses to stay in the area and expand. To create a range of sites is key to be able to positively facilitate future employment opportunities.”
