The first phase of new housing in Grimethorpe is drawing to a successful close.

New housing development at Grimethorpe

In September 2004, Haslam Homes released the first units for sale at Allegro Court; now 91 of the 101 new homes have been sold.

The properties range in size from two to four bedrooms and in price from £90,000 to £160,000. Over 50% of Haslam’s customers are first time buyers and 60% in the 20–40 year old age range. 57% have moved within the Barnsley Borough with 20% of those returning to Grimethorpe.

Phase 2 of Allegro Court commenced in June 06 and will provide a further 34 new homes for sale comprising a range of 2 & 3 bedroom houses and bungalows. Prices range from £107,995 to £147,995 with the first homes due to be complete by September 2006. The first 11 plots have been released for sale and one has already been reserved.

Haslam’s final phase, known as the Village site will be the largest of the three, providing 226 new homes for sale. Works to provide new drainage, roads, green space and improvements to the adjoining water course have been carried out over the past four months as well as a new road connection to High Street, all in preparation for the new house building. Construction is due to commence in Autumn 2006 with the first new homes expected to be complete by March 2007.

Around the Village, other work has been undertaken to improve the connections between existing and new housing. The whole of the ‘backs’ onto High Street have been given a face lift with old buildings demolished, roads improved and resurfaced, new pedestrian routes established and shoppers parking provided. On the High Street, pavements have been improved, new walls, fences and gates fitted and new street lighting installed. This work has been funded with grants from the Regional Housing Board. This money was provided as a result of Barnsley Council’s partnership with the Wakefield and Doncaster boroughs in the ‘Green Corridor’ alliance. Further funds have been secured for similar works to be undertaken on other parts of High Street and Hastings Street and plans for this work are currently being prepared.

The past twelve months has also seen massive success at the Park Springs Business Park. Newcomers to the area include Thornhill Service UK, Plausible Ltd, and NCB Exhibitions. Sash has also taken an additional factory for specialised products. Construction is currently taking place on new buildings for Countrywide Healthcare and Prologis Developments (at Houghton Main) and there are planning applications on two further sites.

The largest development site has now been sold to a major employer who plans to start building later this year. The first phase will be a 450,000 sq. ft. unit providing 450 jobs. Later phases will extend the development to over 1 million sq. ft. of offices and industrial accommodation with the potential for a further 1000 jobs.

In all, 150 new job opportunities will have been created in 2006. This figure should increase by 1000 in 2007 and by 2010, the total will have risen to 1500.

Partnership working between the public and private sectors has been the key to Grimethorpe’s success. Barnsley Council, through the Grimethorpe Regeneration Executive and the Barnsley Development Agency, together with Yorkshire Forward, has pioneered the way for reviving Grimethorpe’s fortunes. Brierley Town Council, Chevin Housing Association, Yorkshire Metropolitan Housing Association and other local organisations have also played important parts. Haslam Homes and Ben Bailey have invested heavily in the village and major employers such as Sash, Prologis, Thornhill Service, Carlton Brick, together with many smaller businesses have shown confidence in the future of this location by investing substantial funds in new development and employment opportunities.

Stephen Houghton, Leader of Barnsley Council concludes, “The last twelve months have seen some remarkable changes in Grimethorpe with much more to follow. The months ahead will see further significant growth in the village with more new homes, even more jobs and the addition of community facilities.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the regeneration is the number of young first time buyers who have been attracted into Grimethorpe. This can only be of benefit to the community and help to restore its vitality.”

For further information please contact Grimethorpe Regeneration Executive on Tel: 01226 716 700.

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