A TOWN centre street earmarked as a ‘key gateway’ will have a multi-million pound transformation - with ruling cabinet members set to approve the transformative scheme next week.
Ruling cabinet members previously met to discuss a £1.968m grant from Historic England towards improvements for 35 Eldon Street, which was last used a fish and chip shop and was also a former pub under the names of The Gatehouse, Devonshire Hotel and Beer Engine.
The building will be demolished and preparatory works such as utility disconnections, asbestos testing and conservation investigations have all been completed, according to the council, who completed the site’s purchase in October last year.
A report - which will go before cabinet again on Wednesday - says the street has been allocated for improvements through Historic England’s ‘High Street Heritage Action Zone’ project and it is intended to improve first impressions of the town for visitors arriving at Barnsley Interchange.
Henry Boot, the contractor behind the ongoing Glass Works development a stone’s throw away, will be also be appointed for Eldon Street’s work.
“It is situated at a key gateway to Barnsley town centre at the junction of Eldon Street and Midland Street, opposite the Midland Street entrance to the transport interchange,” the report said.
“Following demolition it is proposed to use an element of the cleared site to enhance the servicing requirements of the Glass Works regeneration.”
Plans have been revealed for the road to be realigned to allow for two-way traffic to use Midland Street and a left-hand turn onto Eldon Street, allowing delivery vehicles to service the Glass Works’ restaurant block without having to access the new public square.
“As part of the demolition process a double-arched window which is enclosed within the attic will be salvaged from this structure in its entirety and stored, giving options for re-use sometime in the future,” the report added.
“The prominent location of the site, adjacent to the transport interchange and on a busy pedestrian route will require precautionary measures to be undertaken to ensure that risks in relation to pedestrians and vehicles are minimised. This is likely to include restricted working hours.
“The regeneration delivered will bring more visitors and movement, making the gateway increasingly important.
“It is vital to create a positive first impression of a high quality, welcoming and animated town centre and to clearly guide visitors to their further destinations.
“At the exit, there are a number of streets leading to different parts of the town centre. The proposals look to create a clearer hierarchy of routes and improved signage.
“The unique character of the area with its network of pedestrianised streets, ginnels and arcades and hub for independent businesses should be celebrated.”
Council leader Sir Steve Houghton added: “This not only helps the investment that the council is making in improving Barnsley town centre, but also enables local people to engage with their heritage and celebrate the new developments.
“We’ve already worked with Historic England at our Heritage Action Zone in Elsecar, so know first-hand how positive and productive this partnership will be.
“I have no doubt that this project will make an enormous difference to local people.”
