“Culturally significant” South Yorkshire heritage site restoration to create new jobs

A partially Grade II listed Penistone heritage site that has been derelict for years has been acquired by a South Yorkshire business that plans to invest in and renovate the area, restoring the local “eyesore to its former glory”.

Family-run, Barnsley based property and land specialist Fairbank Investments Ltd has acquired the Coal Drops, signal house, and former railway siding site at Penistone in Barnsley, signalling a new chapter of growth and development for the area.

The Coal Drops, which are located west of the bridge under Penistone Woodhead Railway, were Grade II listed in 1988. It is thought the six-arched stone segmented structure dates back to the mid-19th century.

The acquisition of the circa one acre development which is located on St Mary’s Street in Penistone, will introduce numerous positive changes to the area and will bring it into line with other development work and projects.

Restoring the “unique and culturally significant” location will also create a significant number of jobs as well as future prosperity for the site, which has fallen into a state of disrepair. Through the site acquisition, Fairbank Investments Ltd has fully committed to developing the site, to benefit the local economy and the environment.

The company has a track record of “successful, sustainable” development projects such as the old David Brown factory in Penistone revitalising the site by transforming it into a new business park with 15,000 sq ft of offices and a further 66,000 sq ft of warehouse space, creating new jobs and attracting multiple businesses to the area.

Antony Green, managing director of Fairbank Investments Ltd, commented: “The Coal Drops is a hugely important site of cultural and historical interest in Penistone and we want to help preserve this heritage, rather than see the site continue to fall into further disrepair.

“We are thrilled to be taking on this new project and are looking for the cooperation of neighbouring landowners to enable us to deliver a scheme that will benefit Penistone.

“As a business, we are passionate about supporting local communities, and we believe that this iconic restoration of the Old Signal House and Coal Drops will be a major step forward for the area.

“We’re excited to bring new businesses, jobs, and opportunities to the region, while also prioritising sustainability and environmental responsibility wherever possible.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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