PLANS to renovate a Carlton sports pavilion - which will include the demolition of the sports hall - have been submitted to Barnsley Council.
Grassroots Sports Academy (GSA) have submitted the plans for work to take place at the pavilion located at Carlton Park, Church Street.
The sports hall section of the building is to be demolished entirely and replaced with a new activity hall.
The park’s facilities currently comprise a natural grass bowls green with a clubhouse/pavilion, two tennis courts, grass playing fields, a children’s play area.
The pavilion was constructed in the 1950s with a later sports hall extension constructed in the 1960s.
The centre, which has become dilapidated, is set to be demolished while the pavilion itself will be renovated.
A planning report states: “Further to proposals by GSA for remedial works and alterations, a pre-feasibility report for development was then undertaken by BWB Consulting for Sport England which explored the existing building and associated facilities, with some budget costs prepared for the remedial works and some of the alterations, as well as a review of the feasibility of the demolition and replacement of the building.
“The conclusion of the pre-feasibility report was that wholesale replacement of the building would exceed any available budgets and that the approach to be pursued would be the refurbishment and remodelling of the existing building.
“The redevelopment proposals incorporate work across four areas of the Pavilion to create facilities to support the use of the grass football pitches, creation of a refurbished multi-use hall, conversion of the existing redundant changing rooms into new meeting space and construction of a new activity hall.
“The new activity hall is proposed to be of modular construction, which will minimise construction time and disruption on site.
“In addition to the proposed alterations to the building, it is proposed that the external space facing the pitches is remodelled to create an accessible spectator terrace, with the proposed kitchen designed to allow for refreshments to be served to this space.”
It’s hoped that the scheme, should it be approved, will improve inactivity in the area and wider borough.
The report added: “Barnsley ranks in in the top ten per cent nationally for inactivity, deprivation, and health inequality.
The pavilion building project has the scope to proactively address various of the strategic objectives identified at national, regional and local levels, including reinvigorating unused and underused community buildings and public spaces, enabling local people to influence provision within their communities, and providing safe, inclusive and accessible facilities which will encourage local people to adopt active and healthy lifestyles.”
Managing director Chris Newton told the Chronicle: “This project has been developing behind the scenes for the past three years and has now reached a pivotal stage in its journey.
“We are making significant progress with both the planning and fundraising efforts that will help bring our vision to life - creating a modern, inclusive community hub that brings people together and provides opportunities for everyone.
“Carlton Pavilion is a hugely important community asset, and I strongly believe it needs dedicated leadership and investment to unlock its full potential for the people of Barnsley.
“This has become a deeply personal project for me and one that I hope will form a lasting legacy.
“It is my way of giving back to the community that has been so welcoming and supportive to myself and my business.
“When completed, the new pavilion will provide opportunities for local people for generations to come, supporting sport, health, wellbeing, and community connections long into the future.
“My ambition is that its impact will be felt far beyond my lifetime, creating a place that future generations can be proud of.”
Ten neighbouring properties have been made aware of the plans with no appeals to date.
Public consultation ends on August 7.
