WORK totalling £3m to transform the historic Dearne Playhouse has now been completed.
The project is part of the Goldthorpe Town Deal, which secured £23.1m investment from the government’s Towns Fund to help regenerate, renew and revitalise Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton-upon-Dearne.
The 101-year-old Playhouse, formerly the Miners’ Welfare Hall, is a cultural cornerstone of the Dearne and its restoration will ensure it continues to be a focal point for the community for generations to come.
Work began last year and the second phase which included new CCTV, new baseman and redecoration of the auditorium began in February and recently finished.
The Playhouse works, which took seven months to complete, have been carried out by O and P Construction and overseen by Barnsley Council.
Access roads in neighbouring Welfare Park are being resurfaced, pathways restored and new public artwork installed.
Extra car parking has been added, and there are plans for 72 more spaces next to the site, subject to planning approval.
Matthew Stephens, chair of the Goldthorpe Town Deal Board, said: “The completion of this major refurbishment is a significant milestone in preserving the heritage of Dearne Playhouse while creating new opportunities for community engagement.
“It’s wonderful to see how the investment has rejuvenated this historic venue and provided an amazing space for everyone to come together.
“I am delighted that the works for this fabulous project were undertaken by local contractors, providing jobs for local people.”
Julie Medlam, manager of the Dearne Playhouse, added: “We are thrilled with these works and the possibilities they open up for future community involvement.
“The new facilities will greatly benefit local artists, musicians and theatre groups, making the Playhouse even more vibrant and inclusive.
“I look forward to welcoming everyone back to see it for themselves.
“We can’t wait to raise the curtain on a new era for our much-loved theatre.”
Restoration of the Playhouse aligns with the objectives of the Goldthorpe Town Deal to regenerate and aid growth in Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton-upon-Dearne.
This has already delivered the new Horse and Groom Town Square in the heart of Goldthorpe.
Other projects underway include new sustainable housing, improvements at Phoenix Park, and work to unlock economic development and create new jobs
