Barnsley

Barnsley was one of the first towns in our region to be designated a Renaissance Town by Yorkshire Forward, in 2001.

What is the strategy for Barnsley?

A far-reaching masterplan now exists for the town, shaped under the expert eye of architect Will Alsop. The vision for Barnsley suggests a ‘living wall’ of buildings around the town centre, defining the limits between the town and the country. Within the wall is a series of districts, each with their own primary function—but all feeding off each other’s services. The overall strategy for Barnsley is to create a market town for the 21st-century.

How will this be realised?

To achieve this vision, several projects have been planned, including:

• Barnsley markets—a modern, purpose-built series of market halls with retail and leisure developments, a high-quality public realm, and apartments
• A digital media centre—a town-centre hub for innovation and new technology
• A transport interchange—a single complex including bus, rail, coach and taxi travel
• The Civic and Mandela Gardens—development of the Civic Hall into a major cultural and retail facility, and the landscaping of Mandela Gardens
• New council offices.

How much is being invested?

It is expected that around £380m will be invested in Barnsley’s renaissance. Approximately £31.5m will come from Yorkshire Forward’s Renaissance Towns programme.

For more information, visit the Barnsley Development Agency and The Barnsley Bubble.