Goldthorpe turns out to celebrate massive Dearne investment
IT WAS symbolic that an event to celebrate the success of Goldthorpe Towns Fund should be held at Horse and Groom Square - one of the major projects financed under the arrangement.
Saturday’s event was organised to mark the advances the community has seen through investments made under the Towns Fund.
On the day, visitors were treated to live entertainment, with children’s crafts and rides as well as refreshments.
The event also linked into a Spring market, the first in a programme of seasonal events aimed at making good use of the square, which has replaced Goldthorpe’s traditional market, now given over to new housing, again under the Goldthorpe Towns Fund.
The fund has brought investment of more than £23m into Dearne communities, from a national programme set up by the government.
Goldthorpe was among the areas offered the opportunity to bid for money and won a sum close to the £25m maximum.
Over the last few years Goldthorpe Towns Fund Board has overseen the use of that cash, which has brought the Horse and Groom Square - on the site of the old pub by that name - into being, but also two housing programmes in Goldthorpe.
It has also seen Dearne Playhouse get a full transformation, with a new roof, full redecoration and other improvements.
Cash was also used to create the new roundabout between Goldthorpe and Darfield on the A635, opening access to a site to be developed for employment.
Smaller projects have included providing support for businesses, work to improve footpaths in Phoenix Park, Thurnscoe, and public artwork on shop security shutters - creating an art gallery out of trading hours.