Plans submitted to transform derelict 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.