A PROJECT hailed as the next big scheme for Barnsley town centre following the Glass Works’ £220m completion will pick up pace from next week, leaders behind the ambitious plans have revealed.
The wider ‘Seam’ digital campus, upon its completion, will house the town’s two Digital Media Centres and Barnsley College’s Sci-Tech Innovation Centre which is set to entice more tech-based businesses into the area.
Initial plans presented to Barnsley Council’s cabinet in 2022 for the digital campus were for an energy-efficient ‘urban village’ with a new 386-space, multi-storey car park.
However, due to mounting costs, in part driven by the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, ruling cabinet members approved a new approach which removed both from the scheme.
The Chronicle can reveal phase one of the development will see the ‘Lower Seam’ car park ‘significantly improved’, which will provide better facilities for campus users and visitors.
Plans include public realm improvements to the standard seen at the nearby Glass Works with enhanced lighting, CCTV, street furniture and 40 electric vehicle charging points.
In preparation for this scheme and to inform the work required, ground investigation works will commence on/ Monday for three weeks, meaning the car park will be closed to all users.
Matt O’Neill, executive director for growth and sustainability, said: “If we stand still, the borough’s economy will stand still.
“We see the Seam as the heart of Barnsley’s future economy, leading our ambitions towards a growing Barnsley that supports tech and digital innovation, building on the success of the DMCs already on the site and Barnsley College Sci-Tech Centre.
“The project not only enhances our town centre but creates an innovative and high-quality public realm that will drive growth and make Barnsley a destination for digital businesses.
“I’d like to thank residents, businesses and commuters for their patience and co-operation as we begin these transformative works including the temporary closure of the Lower Seam car park.”
Cash from the Future High Streets Fund - totalling £15.6m - was secured.
Plans for new public realm include a large community greenspace, a promenade route which is designed to form the main footway through the lower area, connecting steps and an accessible ramp built between the different levels.
There is a ‘clear focus’ on pedestrian priority, with less traffic being encouraged through the site and traffic-free areas within the public realm.
Bosses are drawing inspiration from the gardens at the Marina Bay in Singapore, with aims to integrate similar concepts into the town.
Digital tree designs could be used which harvest rainwater, and feed the wider greenery at the scheme.
Sir Steve Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council, added: “Future High Streets funding is helping us transform this site to bring forward the next phase of town centre development which will bring together people, learning, business and places to help grow more innovative, digital jobs and businesses.
“The current hub for digital industries has seen great success, providing a home for businesses and entrepreneurs since its development nearly 15 years ago.
“The Seam builds on this great work already happening and this phase one development gives us an accessible and innovative urban village and digital cluster within the town centre where we can try new ideas, support positive change for Barnsley and build towards our 2030 ambitions for sustainability and growth.”
