THE Mayor of Barnsley officially opened Hoyland’s new-look town square yesterday.
Coun Mick Stowe applied the final touch to the programme of works by laying a commemorative flagstone.
The work was carried out by the council’s in-house construction services team as part of our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme.
It included repaving the Town Square, installing new seating, landscaping works, painting canopies and street lighting, improvements to the facade of the former Co-op building and fitting power points for market stalls
Business owner Kate Jenkinson, of Yorkshire Coffee Roasters, said: “It’s exactly what was needed: it looks lovely. It’s a nice area for people to congregate and have a drink, especially in the coming summer months.”
Dawn Markham, who owns the Utopia fashion store, said: “I’m happy with how it looks. It looks really nice – much better than before.”
Matt O'Neill, Executive Director for Growth and Sustainability, said: “I am delighted to see the completion of this programme of works. Building on the initial scheme delivered last year, they have refreshed and brightened up the Town Square, making it an inviting place to shop and visit and increasing the vibrancy of Hoyland town centre.

“The MAYhem street circus festival is coming to the square on Saturday and I hope it will be the first of many popular events taking place in this attractive and welcoming space.

“This project highlights our ongoing commitment to investing in and improving our high streets and public realm and I look forward to seeing the results of our hard work.”

The investment in Hoyland has also included helping 50 business owners update their shopfronts, adding a new pathway and improved vehicle access to Duke Street car park and resurfacing a well-used pathway from Bank Street.

The council is also working with a tenant to bring the former Co-op building back into public use.

The flagstone laid by the Mayor reads: “Hoyland Town Square 2024. Laid by the Worshipful Mayor of Barnsley, Councillor James Michael Stowe.”