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There's an air of optimism swirling around Barnsley - a vibrancy which hasn't been experienced for decades. It's the result of a £400 million regeneration scheme which is going to breath life into the town and bring benefits for residents, the retail and business communities and will undoubtedly impress the visitor. Over the last few years building work has been under way on several projects and we are beginning to see Barnsley metamorphose into market town fit for the 21st century.
The first major project to be completed was the colourful Transport Interchange, a £24 million complex run by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive incorporating bus, rail, coach and taxi travel with retail units, a cafe and information centre. Part of the Remaking Barnsley project, it was built by Laing O'Rourke and includes a 24-stand bus concourse. The interchange will eventually link to the new £235 million markets complex which is due for completion in 2011.
The new development will surpass anything that has gone before in Barnsley's 700 year history as a market town. The outdoor stalls will sell a varied range of products while the adjacent, three-tier indoor area will offer a variety of meat, fish, vegetables and other produce on the ground floor, with cafes and restaurants above. It will be covered by a striking, curving glazed roof which, it is hoped, will become a landmark in its own right.
The £9.3 million Digital Media Centre (DMC) will provide space for fledgling companies specialising in the creative and digital industries. Funded by the South Yorkshire Objective 1 programme and Yorkshire Forward it will be managed by Oxford Innovation and will provide business units, conference and meeting facilities.
The future is interlinked with education and Barnsley College is playing its part in the town's regeneration. It has seven town centre sites and is one of Barnsley's largest employers. It is also one of the country's largest further education establishments offering 6,000 students a wide range of courses including vocational courses and apprenticeships. |
