Works aim to safeguard town hall’s long-term future

Work has begun on completely re-roofing Penistone Town Hall to ensure the historic building can be used for generations to come.

The town hall, which opened in 1914, is the base for Penistone Area Council. It also houses the Penistone Paramount Cinema, Penistone Masonic Lodge 1462 and local business Matthew Rico Fitness.

The council offices were added alongside the Carnegie Free Library, which had opened a year earlier.

This property has suffered from many roof leaks over the years. Barnsley Council has commissioned contractors to remove the existing roof and install a new one.

Work on the building forms part of the council’s Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme, which aims to enhance community facilities.

The council has so far invested £5m into its six Principal Towns and 10 Local Centres, with another £30m planned over the next five years.

Improvements at the Art Deco-style Penistone Town Hall will involve installing extra roof timbers, new roof coverings, lead work, fascias, guttering and rainwater pipes.

Contractors MAM. Roofing (Services) Ltd began work this week with the intention of completing the re-roofing by the end of the year. The Paramount cinema will remain open during the works.

Chair of Penistone Area Council, Councillor David Greenhough, said: “We are so pleased that the works are now taking place.

“They will future-proof this much-loved building by ensuring that it is watertight and no longer open to the elements.

“Penistone Town Council and the Paramount team will be very excited to welcome customers old and new back into a beautiful building. It will provide a fantastic environment for cinema, the arts, and community projects in Penistone and the surrounding areas for years to come.”

Councillor Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesman for regeneration and culture, added: “Penistone Town Hall is a beautiful historic building and one of the key landmarks in the town.

“Replacing the roof of the Town Hall and the Penistone Paramount Cinema within the building will safeguard their future use for generations to come.

“Under our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme, we are committed to investing in communities across Barnsley to ensure our high streets and town centres are thriving and people can enjoy unforgettable cultural experiences.”