Works completed to help safeguard landmark property’s future

Penistone Town Hall has been safeguarded and waterproofed for future generations after the historic building benefited from a complete roof replacement.

The Town Hall houses the Penistone Paramount Cinema, Penistone Masonic Lodge 1462 and local business Matthew Rico Fitness.

Council offices were opened in 1914 alongside the Carnegie Free Library, which had opened a year earlier.

This landmark had suffered from many roof leaks over the years.

Barnsley Council commissioned specialist contractors to remove the existing roof and install a new one.

The roofing works were part of the council’s Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme, which aims to enhance community facilities and ensure high streets and town centres are thriving.

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

Councillor Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesman for regeneration and culture, said: “I’m sure Penistone Town Council and the staff and customers of the Paramount Cinema will welcome the completion of these works.

“This is one of the key landmarks in the town and an importance piece of its heritage.

“Replacing the roof of the Town Hall and the Paramount shows our commitment to safeguarding Barnsley’s treasured public places.”

The works at the Art Deco-style Penistone Town Hall were carried out by MAM Roofing (Services). They involved installing extra roof timbers, new roof coverings, lead work, fascias, guttering and rainwater pipes.

The new roof itself is of reproduced Welsh slate, in keeping with the original materials. The Paramount cinema remained open during the works.

Chair of Penistone Area Council, Councillor David Greenhough, said: “We are pleased the works to our much-loved and historic Town Hall have been completed.

“Many thanks to MAM Roofing (Services) for working with the cinema to enable them to remain open during the works.

“Cinema, the arts, and community projects from Penistone and the surrounding area will continue to find a welcoming home in this newly-conserved local landmark.”

Discussions about the further development of Penistone Town Hall remain ongoing with Barnsley Council’s partners.

Plans for a wider refurbishment of the building to extend its public use are at an early design stage.