DESIGNERS behind Barnsley Council’s striking plans to transform a key part of the town centre into an urban park to inspire businesses to set up before a ‘high-end’ hotel arrives have revealed the first impressions of its new look.
The council had axed its long-held plans for The Seam, on County Way, which had promised a 386-space multi-storey car park and an energy-efficient housing estate.
However, the Chronicle can now reveal new plans for the site, which will be paid for by the local authority and the government’s Future High Streets Fund after more than £15m was secured.
The first phase of the work - due to begin as soon as the summer - includes a 4,700sq metre urban park, comprising three separate natural gardens, while improved parking facilities for the remaining spaces that will serve visitors to the town centre and The Seam’s Digital Campus.
The main attraction of the initial project will be the arrival of three sculptures - known as the Yorkshire Roses - with the central sculpture standing at 15 metres tall and two smaller 12-metre sculptures standing high above the regenerated area.
Subject to planning, phase two will look to further develop the Upper Seam car park which includes a third Digital Media Centre, a high-end hotel and a ‘National Centre for Digital Technologies’.
A report will be submitted to ruling cabinet members in March to approve a combination of grant and council funding for the sculptures.
Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said: “We’re fiercely proud, ambitious and bold in Barnsley - the Yorkshire Rose sculptures symbolise our town’s resilience and optimism for a bright future.
“They’re not just a landmark, they’re a celebration of our proud heritage and bold ambitions, reflecting Barnsley’s strength and unity while marking its future as a centre of opportunity and creativity.
“The next phase of The Seam reaffirms our commitment to making it the heart of our future economy.
“We’ll support digital sectors to enhance development opportunities in the town centre and bring in further investment and high-value jobs to Barnsley.
“By connecting young people with good education and career pathways, we can nurture the next generation of leaders and innovators, planting the seeds for a brighter future.”
Designers have drawn inspiration from the iconic gardens at Marina Bay in Singapore for the project, which will see a host of drop-in events on County Way in January where staff from the council and constructors Wilmott Dixon will showcase the plans and answer any questions residents may have.
Edward Naylor, chair of the Barnsley Town Board, added: “This new phase of The Seam is more than just a step forward - it’s a statement.
“The redevelopment will provide urban greenspace with high-quality public realm.
“The stunning sculptures will add a new dimension to our town centre, helping to bring more visitors to the borough and help cement Barnsley’s position as a home for digital innovation.
“By reshaping the arrival experience, The Seam positions Barnsley as an attractive destination for residents, visitors and investors.”
Matt O’Neill, executive director for growth and sustainability at the council, said it was important to revisit The Seam when the initial scheme was shelved.
“If we stand still, the borough’s economy will stand still - therefore, we have revisited our plans for The Seam and are looking for new ways to become more digital and sustainable.
“We want the best for our residents and businesses and are looking at international best practice to inform our thinking.
“Our ambitions are to be the foremost technology and digital leaders in the UK and build upon our leadership position across South Yorkshire.
“To attract private investment, you need innovative public realm and this is the model that has been taken to great effect in Singapore.
“Phase one work will see us make improvements which will bring high-quality public realm spaces seen at the Glass Works expand into the digital campus space, as well as improve parking quality, with significant capacity for electric vehicle charging.”
