THE transformation of a derelict site into a thriving hub for youngsters took a step closer to completion - when the installation of a skate park and pump track was completed.

The youth activity park, on Schwabisch Gmund Way, is a standalone facility but neighbours the multi-million pound Base71 youth zone.

Supported by the government’s Levelling Up Fund and Sport England, it has been co-designed in consultation with local children and young people and will open in the spring.

It’s the culmination of years of planning - with ambitions first revealed in 2021 to regenerate the former electricity depot site - and both are set to work to get youngsters off the streets and into sport.

It will include a skate park suitable for all levels, a beginner-friendly bike track, new active travel routes and inclusive play spaces including a parkour area.

Councillor Ashley Peace, cabinet spokesperson for children’s services, said: “Our vision is to provide activities, opportunities and experiences for all our children and young people in Barnsley.

“Listening to our children and young people and acting on their ideas helps shape future opportunities that truly reflect their needs, creativity and aspirations, that’s why we’re continuing to invest in facilities to make that a reality for them.

“Our free bus travel scheme for under-18s and the proximity of the park to Barnsley Interchange means they will be able to get to the site for free.

“With the Base71 youth zone also sitting adjacent to the park, the area will become a hub of activity and a safe space for our children and young people to connect with their friends.

“We can’t wait to see it open next year.”

It’s hoped the adjacent facilities will provide a much-needed space for youngsters, boosting physical activity levels, reducing obesity and antisocial behaviour.

A quarter of Barnsley’s year sixes - aged ten and 11 - were classed as obese, the recent National Child Measurement Programme showed.

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, executive director for place at Sport England, added: “For too long, too many people have struggled to get access to, and benefit from, sport and physical activity.

“Across England, opportunities to be active are unequal and unfair - we’re about to change that in Barnsley.

“By partnering with trusted organisations and the local community, we will understand the barriers and issues people in Barnsley face to getting active and work together to deliver local solutions.

“But we won’t stop there - we’re working in areas that face the biggest barriers to a more active life.

“It’s great to see the progress on Barnsley’s youth activity park - one that has been co-designed with the children and young people of Barnsley.

“That’s what our work in place is all about - giving local communities a voice and letting them shape the solutions to getting active.

“Our work in Barnsley goes beyond this park we are committed to the area, partnering and collaborating with trusted organisations and the local community, to create more opportunities for people to be active so that the people of Barnsley can lead healthier lives for longer.”

Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, told the Chronicle that the activity park - and Base71 - will offer something completely new to children.

“This is an exciting project which will offer something new for our children and young people to get involved in and enjoy.

“It’s another example of how we’ve worked with the public, private and voluntary sectors to create a space which will enable local children and young people to get active, have fun, and build healthy habits for life.

“We’ve a mission to empower all of Barnsley’s communities to thrive, and we hope this facility will set our younger residents on a path to future prosperity.”