PROPOSALS LAUNCHED FOR BARNSLEY’S NEW LOOK TOWN CENTRE

Artist impression of new town centre square

In January, we announced that Barnsley Council had set out town centre regeneration plans which would see investment to the tune of £41 Million. This included among other things, the redesign and redevelopment of the metropolitan centre and indoor market, redevelopment of the Kendray Street site as a leisure and retail centre, the construction of a new, purpose-built central library to the value of £4 million and the creation of a new public square to accommodate a new open market and town centre events.

Today, Barnsley Council announces exciting proposals for a ‘future-proof, new look town centre’. The following plans show the improvements that will attract investment into our town:

New town square – Expected October 2016
A new landscaped public square where routes into the town centre meet. The square will be large enough for market stalls and public events, and will look into the refurbished indoor market.

Revamped metropolitan centre and market hall – Expected early 2017
Bright, open and inspiring, this newly refurbished space will create flow between outdoor and indoor shopping, and easier to get to for shoppers and businesses.

New shopping boulevard – Expected 2017
By extending Lambra Road there’ll be a new route behind the redeveloped indoor markets with new shopping and leisure opportunities.

New central library – Expected early 2017
Proposed for location on Mayday Green, this state of the art building will be a hub for community activity.

New car parking – Expected November 2015
High quality, safe, bright, and easy to access open-air car parking, with plenty of spaces.

Sir Cllr Stephen Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said he was keen to make sure that people were supportive of the plans. He said, ‘we’ve asked hundreds of people, and held several working groups. People were clear about what they wanted. Among other things, we were told loud and clear that Barnsley needs to keep its markets, to create quality open spaces that feel safe, and to make sure business servicing and parking needs are met.
“We hope these proposals will give confidence to local people and businesses, showing we’re serious about delivering these improvements. The next three years are going to be exciting, creating jobs and opportunities for people in Barnsley”

Diana Terris, Chief Executive, talking about the benefits of this to the local economy, added: “Our vision for the new town centre includes a range of retail and leisure activities and events, as well as civic amenities like the new library. Barnsley will support the next generation of retailing, bringing together physical shops with online purchases, and providing interactive business and community hubs.
“The new town square, shopping boulevard and training and enterprise centre (TEC) building offer opportunities for businesses to invest, by developing new buildings, pavement cafes, or new leisure and retail sites.”

Progress has started already on the new state of the art sixth form college, public realm improvements, and preparation for the move of the outdoor market.
Funding for the scheme is being provided by the council from monies raised through capital receipts in recent asset and land sales, as well as existing borrowing and approvals. The money spent on the scheme will have no impact on the council’s revenue budget or ability to maintain its essential services.

The new prospectus, along with images and video footage, is available at www.Barnsley.gov.uk/betterBarnsley.

A full prospectus is available to read here, which has been developed in conjunction with numerous partners including the public. This details why specific decisions have been taken, the kind of suggestions made by members of the public from areas such as business, community, market traders and local property owners, a short-tern and long-term look at the development and the opportunities available once the development gets underway.
A presentation is also available here.

The below map and image shows the outline town centre proposals and artist impressions (click images to enlarge).

Artist impression of new shopping boulevard

Artist impression of new refurbished market.