Hoyland store set to be taken over

A FORMER Co-op store which closed in 2019 is set to be brought back into use.

The unit, on King Street, Hoyland, will be taken over by an unknown tenant – a charity – on a ten-year lease, according to a document. Barnsley Council bosses have been negotiating for a new sub-letting of the property to ‘deliver a range of community benefits’.

Following negotiations, terms have been provisionally agreed for a proposed sub-lease at a peppercorn rent – which means a much cheaper rate than its market value – to a charitable organisation.

“The proposed peppercorn rent is to ensure that we maximise the wider community and local economic well-being benefits,” a council report said.

“The grant of a ten-year lease will allow the tenant to set up in the premises.

“It is estimated that the development proposals will cost the tenant between £275,000 to £400,000 and will create up to ten permanent jobs, as well as a number of volunteer and mentoring roles.

“The property has been vacant for over a year and although the estimated market rent of the property is £50,000 per annum, in the collective context of the size, location and state of the retail market nationally, it’s highly unlikely there will be retailer demand for premises in the foreseeable future.”

An online community consultation earlier this year received 244 responses. Almost half of all respondents ranked renovation and recycling of existing buildings as the most important element to Hoyland’s economic growth.

“Briefings have been held with local ward members and cabinet spokesperson (regeneration and culture) and further consultation with local businesses took place in June, all support bringing this premise into use for wider town centre benefit,” the report added.