An iconic £1 million arena proposed for the Metrodome could become home to televised sporting events, create new jobs and raise the town's profile nationally.
The Chronicle has seen a report outlining proposals for Barnsley Premier Leisure's 'The Vision' arena - a new atrium-style entrance at the rear of the building.
The report says the arena would provide a focal point for the venue representing the 'vision and aspiration' of the town.
Proposals show the new entrance would be built on to the existing sports hall, creating a 'contemporary and inspirational' façade.
The arena would mainly be promoted as a venue for sports events and provide a focal point for the leisure and tourism industry in Barnsley.
BPL believes it would increase the Metrodome's capability of hosting a variety of events and have a huge economic impact by increasing visitor numbers.
The report says it would also benefit Barnsley's local economy by encouraging its visitors to go to other local attractions and develop inward investment.
It states: "The increased footfall will ripple out to generate business uplift for local hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants, providers of other services and the town centre."
The possibility of a 1,350 seat auditorium would put the main focus of the arena for sports events such as darts, snooker, international boxing and cage fighting, ten pin bowling, gymnastics and taekwondo as Sky, Matchroom sports, PDA Darts and Snooker have shown interest in using it as a TV venue.
"The iconic façade would be seen on TV and provide a new image representing Barnsley to the nation," the report says.
The arena could also be used for corporate events and parties, dinners and award ceremonies, conferences and exhibitions, as well as election counts, TV shows, live music and comedy, screening of football matches and other high profile events.
The design and construction of the arena would 'add substantial kudos to the Metrodome and to the town', according to BPL.
The report also warns the risk of not investing would result in a deteriorating building, seating in the existing hall being unusable within 18 months and events relocating as the building becomes unusable.
