LONG-MOOTED plans to create a park-and-ride facility have officially gone to public consultation - with work set to start as early as next spring.
The plans, as part of the Penistone Station footbridge and car park scheme, will deliver 100 car parking spaces and a new pedestrian footbridge with lifts.
It was revealed earlier this year that SLC Rail were awarded the contract to complete the work, having also been commissioned by Kirklees Council to develop the business case for the Penistone Line’s improvements.
The scheme is expected to cost in the region of £7.5m and is to be funded by the government via the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS).
This scheme will be delivered in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
It will see the current crossing platform - which runs across the tracks - removed.
A council report states: “The project aims to improve access, safety and accessibility at the station.
“Existing parking is limited and the current platform crossing arrangement is not fully accessible.
“The scheme is intended to make rail travel easier and more attractive for local residents.
“The development is expected to create some additional local traffic, mainly linked to station use.
“However, the wider aim is to encourage more people to travel by rail instead of by car for longer journeys.
“A transport statement is being prepared to assess the effects on Lairds Way, Sheffield Road and the surrounding network.”
Consultation launched this week with a number of drop-in sessions set to take place.
The first was yesterday and the next is at Wortley Wagyu Cafe from 10am to 2pm on Tuesday.
The report added: “We’re undertaking a non-statutory public engagement on plans for the proposed Penistone park and ride facility whilst they are at a formative stage ahead of the submission of an application for planning permission.
“A period of engagement will run for three weeks from to July 6.
“During this time, we’re also hosting three drop-in events at venues near to the schemes location to give you the opportunity to learn more about the proposals, ask questions of the project team and provide feedback.
“Alternatively, you can provide feedback or speak directly with the project team by emailing transportation@barnsley.gov.uk.”
Penistone West Councillor David Greenhough told the Chronicle: “The proposed park-and-ride hub will help everyone in Penistone and the surrounding areas.
“We have waited years for the project to happen, so now it needs to be completed as soon as possible.
“The people of Penistone are still waiting for the upgrade to the railway line.
“This also needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”
