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Barnsley's skyline is changing.
Major projects are taking shape, the Digital Media Centre, the Civic, the council's new offices at Westgate Plaza and the colourful new transport interchange are already open.
Others, like the office, hotel and apartment complex at Gateway Plaza, are nearing completion.
And while the markets' redevelopment project has been delayed by the credit crunch and recession, Barnsley Council is confident their vision of turning Barnsley into a market town for the 21st century will come to fruition.
The markets' development is on hold pending talks with the government, but the council, Yorkshire Forward and the 1249 regeneration partnership are pushing ahead with the plans. The project will include outdoor stalls selling a variety of products, centring on the fabulous meat, fish and vegetables for which Barnsley market is famous. The development will stretch into the town centre onto Cheapside and include new shops, including Debenham's department store, which remains committed to the scheme, and a cinema complex.
The long-awaited Civic redevelopment opened earlier this year and has already has a packed programme of events, including art exhibitions, drama productions, dance, music concerts, comedy nights and family entertainment. The acts include world acclaimed actor Steven Berkoff. The restyled Mandela Gardens creates an urban haven, featuring a striking water feature, newly planted trees and modern furniture, which is sure to make it a magnet for visitors.
At the Barnsley Digital Media Centre, new and burgeoning creative, media and digital businesses are at home, with the centre offering a unique and exciting location to develop and exploit the potential of digital technologies. It has 72 offices, desk rental options in a lively open plan environment and conference and meeting facilities.
Barnsley's education system is also at the forefront of the move forward, with 13 primary schools across the borough being replaced by new buildings and nine advanced learning centres due to take the place of the town's 14 secondary schools under the Private Finance Initiative.
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