‘ONCE-in-a-generation’ investment which totals £23m for Goldthorpe’s regeneration will take a step closer in February.

The Goldthorpe Towns Fund – approved by the government earlier this year – will be used to attract jobs and economic investment to Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton-upon-Dearne, while also improving streets and housing.

According to Barnsley Council’s forward plan, business case approvals could be given as soon as February 23.

Derek Bramham, chair of the board overseeing the regeneration, said: “We have incredibly high ambitions for Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton-upon-Dearne as we strive to make the Dearne Valley a place more people want to live, work, shop and invest.

“We’ve worked closely with the community and we now know we can deliver it – it will have an enormous and positive impact on communities in the Dearne for years to come.

“Not only does it provide a basis for Goldthorpe to realise its growth potential, but it will be a strong platform to secure future investment into the area and be a huge catalyst for growth and employment.

“When we talk about the huge sums of money and the promise of investment on this scale, it can sometimes feel like something way off in the distance, but it’s already happening, and the projects and benefits are only going to get bigger.

“Investment of this scale requires careful planning with spend targeted on the areas that will deliver the most benefit for the local area.”

The £23m was part of a larger £3.6bn fund that was provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) to help drive long-term economic growth and productivity in often neglected areas.

Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton added: “The investment plan for Goldthorpe gives us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make really meaningful changes that will positively impact the lives of local people.”