THE final phase of a multi-million pound youth centre build in the heart of the town centre has been approved - paving the way for its opening next year.
OnSide, the charity behind the newly-named Base71 on Schwabisch Gmund Way, was discussed by Barnsley Council’s planning board on Tuesday.
In recent months its main structure has taken form but the next stage - to create an outdoor activity park, a kids’ cycle route and a 40-tree planting scheme - has been earmarked for approval.
A planning report said: “The youth zone development is a two-phase project being brought forward in collaboration with the OnSide charity.
“The first phase included the construction of the main building and its rooftop kick pitch.
“This proposal relates to the next phase, consisting of the outdoor activity park to the east of the site.
“In recent months the main structure has been erected on the western part of the site, sitting adjacent to Schwabisch Gmund Way.
“This part then wraps around the east, accessed off Mottram Way in the north-western corner, with Harborough Hill Road running along the boundary.
“The site has mostly been cleared in preparation for the proposed development, including some tree felling work.”
The proposal also includes a parkour area - subject to Sport England funding - along with associated seating space with canopies.
An active travel route will run through the site from the north-eastern corner to the south-west, the plans confirm.
Additional pedestrian access will also be provided off Harborough Hill Road at the south-east corner.
However, plans for a ‘clubhouse cafe’ have been shelved after OnSide confirmed it no longer forms part of the proposal due to the proximity of other town centre food offerings and a lack of interest from potential occupiers.
“It is recognised that the introduction of the activity park uses would likely generate some noise disturbance when compared to the vacant site,” the planning statement added.
“However, the social benefits associated with the scheme are considered to outweigh the limited harm upon adjoining amenity.
“The activity park would be accessible 24 hours a day, however given the nature of the site and the fact that it is aimed at young people, the noise during antisocial hours is not expected to be severe, particularly when the adjacent sports building closes at 10pm.
“CCTV cameras will also be used to monitor the site to prevent any antisocial activities.
“It is also important to note that the site is an edge of town centre location, whereby disturbance from passing traffic and trains already exists.”
Mandy Carlson, born and bred in Cudworth, has been named as its chief executive - and she’s pleased a site like this will finally be brought to the town.
She told the Chronicle that work is on track and they’re set to receive the keys sometime in May - though it’ll not open fully to the public until January 2026.
She said: “It’s looking great - it’s a real talking point and you can’t miss it.
“With builds of this size things can often change.
“But we’ve got a big fit-out coming once we’ve got the keys and we’ll be looking to bring school, community groups and scouts in so they can try out the systems later next year.
“Then we’re looking at a full opening in January 2026.”
