PLANS to help continue Cudworth’s transformation - which include the demolition of housing and retail units to create a new park - have officially been approved by the council.
According to the council, its Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme for the area will focus on improving public spaces, help businesses and its shoppers.
As part of its next phase, a planning application has been submitted for a new urban park at the top end of the high street on Barnsley Road.
The site is currently occupied by the row of buildings known as The Crescent, which are in poor condition and are largely unoccupied.
Plans to demolish the row of buildings to make way for the new urban park have now been approved.
The park will have appealing landscaped areas which aim to involve the local community in planting as well as new paving, seating and a small clock tower, which will make an attractive ornamental feature at the centre of the park.
A report states: “The proposed redevelopment proposes the demolition of all buildings at The Crescent and the creation of a green public open space to improve the visual gateway to Cudworth, making the area more attractive, enhance community health and cohesion, providing a space for residents to gather and interact.
“The Crescent comprises seven properties, some of which are, vacant and dilapidated, contributing to visual blight.
“The scale of work required to repair the retail units at The Crescent is excessively demanding with issues such as structural damage, outdated utilities, and non-compliance with modern safety and accessibility standards.
“The cost of refurbishment would far exceed any potential financial return. Bringing the buildings up to a reasonable standard (safe, functional, and visually acceptable), the investment required would not be justified by the likely rental income or property value.
“The site has been selected for public realm improvements aimed at creating a welcoming, biodiverse space with increased greenery and accessible amenities for the local community.”
The council were working with tenants to be rehoused, providing compensation packages to cover ‘reasonable costs’.
One objection was received when put to public consultation due to the fact that ‘historic buildings’ will be knocked down, but the plans were approved earlier this week.
The report added: “Aims for the future of Cudworth are to improve the provision of leisure, cultural and entertainment activities, attract non-food multiple retailers, and to improve movement for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Whilst the proposal would result in the loss of the commercial units at ground floor and smaller residential units within the upper floors, the site would be redeveloped to be used as a public square for public benefit.
“The site has been linked to antisocial behaviour, vandalism, and crime, creating safety concerns for residents.
“The current site is environmentally poor, with limited economic or community value.
“It is hoped that the redevelopment will act as a catalyst for wider regeneration, attracting further investment and improving property values in the area.”
