Plans submitted to transform derelict Carlton Park sports pavilion into community hub

Plans have been submitted to renovate a long-vacant sports pavilion in Carlton Park in Barnsley to create a new community sports and wellbeing hub.

The application proposes refurbishing the existing pavilion, demolishing its sports hall and replacing it with a new single-storey activity hall, along with an external terrace overlooking the playing pitches.

The pavilion, which dates back to the 1950s, has been described in planning documents as being in a ‘poor state of repair’. Grassroots Sports Academy (GSA), which is behind the plans, wants to refurbish the building to provide changing facilities, a multi-use hall, meeting space and a new activity hall for community use.

The plans also include two accessible toilets, a spectator terrace, a cycle rack with space for 10 bikes and energy efficiency upgrades. Three new trees, a bird box and a bat box are also proposed as part of biodiversity improvements.

Planning documents say the project would create a hub for sports, health and community activities, helping to tackle inactivity and health inequalities while supporting local schools, sports clubs and community groups.

Barnsley Council is inviting public comments on the application until August 7, with a decision expected by August 28.

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