BARNSLEY town centre recorded a significant boost in footfall during the first quarter of the year - but the council will not ‘stand still’ in order to continue its success.
More than two million people visited between January and March, attracted by a number of events such as Barnsley FC matches and pop-up days in the Glass Works’ public square.
The council set a target to attract 1.9 million visitors for the quarter but surpassed this with more than 2.3 million visitors, figures show.
The summer’s figures are also expected to be high, with the knock-on impact of Barnsley boxer Callum Simpson’s 7,000 sell-out fight against Zak Chelli at Oakwell last month set to hike numbers, as well as events such as Barnsley Live and Flavours Food Festival.
A corporate performance report, presented to ruling cabinet members last week, outlined how the authority had performed in a number of areas.
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “Barnsley continues to buck the national trend for footfall to our town centre.
“Expecting to achieve an estimated seven million visitors this year our fantastic, vibrant town centre draws visitors from right across the region and beyond.
“Barnsley Market is thriving, attracting thousands of coach visitors nationwide already this year, the highest figures in the last ten years.
“We continue to attract new businesses to the town centre.”
The Glass Works is now 90 per cent let, with interest in ‘all remaining units’, according to Coun Franklin.
This year’s launch of the new Visit Barnsley website aims to promote businesses and attractions, drawing even more visitors to the town and surrounding areas.
“We also have a jam-packed events programme planned for the remainder of the year which will continue to drive footfall, including the return of the international market taking place to September 29, the annual Bright Nights on November 22 and 23 and the Christmas market from December 5 to 8.
“We’re proud of these successes, but we’re also not standing still.
“We have ambitious plans for the future, including the innovative Health and Wellbeing Hub in the Alhambra which will make healthcare more accessible and drive further footfall to the town.”
However, council bosses are still exploring options for more accommodation within the town centre in a bid to attract overnight visitors.
Matt O’Neill, executive director of growth and sustainability at Barnsley Council, told the Chronicle: “As part of our commitment to growing and enhancing the visitor experience, the Barnsley Town Board has been actively engaged in discussions about our hotel accommodation.
“Expanding our hotel options is a key goal for the future.
“Quality hotel accommodation is needed in the town centre visitors are choosing to stay in Leeds and Sheffield.
“There are many steps we need to go through including talking with hotel operators, testing the market and studying what we might need in terms of size and locations.”
