A POPULAR food venue at Elsecar Heritage Centre is set to continue trading this weekend after positive talks were held with Barnsley Council over its future.
Earl’s Kitchen has been operating from a mobile catering unit and had recently expressed concerns about being required to leave the site.
There were worries that they would have to leave the site before this weekend but it has been confirmed that they will be allowed to trade this weekend at the Black Diamond Classic Sportive.
The food business said they were ‘relieved’ with the decision and although there was initially a breakdown in communications, they are pleased they have taken a step forward.
A council spokesperson said: “The business operates from a mobile catering unit in an area of the site that now requires resurfacing works.
“To allow those works to take place, the mobile unit will need to be removed.
“We have worked with the operator throughout the temporary arrangement and appreciate the contribution Earl’s Kitchen has made during this time.
“We’ve agreed to allow Earl’s to continue to trade as long as possible before the resurfacing works begin.
“This means they will be trading this weekend.
“During the resurfacing we’ll be maintaining discussions with Earl’s Kitchen including about potential future options on the site.”
Michelle Williams, from Earl’s Kitchen, told the Chronicle she has loved operating out of the site.
She added: “The work should be finished at the end of the month, then there’s the resurfacing and it should be a brand new centre by then.
“I think a lot of people know about it, they just want to see the work done and the heritage centre booming again.”
The company thanked councillors Michael Davies and Rachael Kay for their support.
In a joint statement, they told the Chronicle that the news is positive - but there are still some concerns generally around the site.
They said: “We are pleased that Earl’s Kitchen will be able to continue trading this weekend and that conversations about its future at Elsecar Heritage Centre are continuing.
“Earl’s Kitchen has built up a loyal customer base over the last 14 months and has become a valued part of the visitor experience at Elsecar.
“We welcome the council’s acknowledgement of the contribution the business has made and its willingness to explore potential future options once the resurfacing works have been completed.
“While this is a positive development, there are still wider issues that need addressing at Elsecar Heritage Centre.
“For several weeks, ward councillors have been engaging with tenants and council officers to better understand the challenges businesses are facing and to help secure a positive future for everyone based there.
“Our priority remains supporting local businesses, protecting jobs and ensuring Elsecar Heritage Centre continues to thrive as one of Barnsley’s most important visitor destinations.
“We hope the ongoing discussions with Earl’s Kitchen lead to a practical solution that benefits both the business and the wider heritage centre.”
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TENANTS at Elsecar Heritage Centre are continuing to remain positive about the site’s and their own futures - and with more events set to take place in the coming months they’re hoping footfall will continue to gather pace.
Building works have been taking place at the site for a number of years meaning that events have slowed down.
But with a packed-out series of events set to take place over the coming months, tenants are remaining positive about the future.
Alan Blakeman, who runs BBR Auctions, has been at the centre since its inception.
He admits that it hasn’t been easy in recent years but the return of events is welcome - including the antiques fair last weekend.
He added: “It hasn’t been easy since the closure of building 21.
“On the first weekend of every July we have the Summer National, where we take over the village.
“People come from Australia, North America, all over Europe and even Barnsley which was absolutely brilliant.
“So this weekend a lot of tenants had some good footfall.
“I’m optimistic about the future - I can see how it can go forward.”
Jo, who runs Jo Badger Textiles, said the site has a lot of potential.
She told the Chronicle: “I moved in just over two years ago and I’ve built up a bit of repeat custom.
“I love being here.
“I think because the works were started before I moved in, a lot of people have had to be a lot more patient than me.
“But everybody’s excited with the events and activities.”
Sarah Adams took over her unit last September and admits it has been difficult.
She said: “In the run up to Christmas it was great as you’d expect seasonally.
“But since the cafe’s closed it’s been awful if I’m honest, it’s been really tough.
“It’s hard because I think we’ve lost the lingerers - the people that would stay for a full day.
“There’s no easy way of doing the drainage work because it needs to be done but I do think it has put a lot of people off.
“It has been tough but I’m quite happy with the amount of events the council has scheduled in.”
Paul Clifford, service director for regeneration and assets, said: "Elsecar Heritage Centre is one of Barnsley's most important heritage destinations and visitor attractions.
"Over the last two years, almost £4 million has been invested in the centre through Arts Council England Cultural Development Fund and council funding, supporting major infrastructure improvements, drainage works, building refurbishment and the creation of the new visitor centre.
“We continue to work closely with tenants, offering business support and assistance where appropriate.
“Like all heritage destinations, Elsecar faces challenges.
“However, we remain committed to protecting this unique site, supporting its businesses, improving its infrastructure and creating a clear and sustainable vision for the future.
“We believe the work now underway provides strong foundations for the next chapter in Elsecar's story."
