BARNSLEY Market - a key part of the town centre for centuries - has been hailed as a huge draw for shoppers by leaders who toasted its resounding success by bagging a top industry award. Josh Timlin delved into its history and its future.

The town centre is very different to what it was like just a handful of years ago: ageing, unattractive eyesores are gone and a host of stylish, ultra-modern buildings have been built in their place.

It was a centre where you’d avoid and head for Sheffield, Wakefield or Leeds instead in my youth but at the end of 2024 the picture couldn’t be more contrasting - it’s now the envy of its neighbours and the Glass Works has transformed Barnsley.

The library, the public realm, the big-name shops, the striking bridge& many people poked fun at the council’s plans a decade ago and indeed continue to do so given its £200m-plus cost but it just goes to show you sometimes have to speculate to accumulate.

You’re never going to please everyone, either, but I implore even the most ardent council critic to visit the town centre and not be impressed.

Leaders stuck to their guns, got on with the task at hand. Progress is there for everyone to see and the regeneration model has shown that sometimes in life ballsy decisions have to be made to ensure a brighter future - for that, the council should be applauded.

One mainstay has always been Barnsley Market. Established in 1249 with a charter from King Henry III, the market has always been a cornerstone of the town centre and continues to be so, albeit with a new twist.

The traditional indoor market is 96 per cent occupied, while the outdoor market remains a huge draw for both local and out-of-town shoppers. Market Kitchen - which opened in 2018 - has given a modern twist with eateries specialising in international cuisine.

It’s certainly not hard to see why it was presented with the prestigious ‘Market Team of the Year’ award at the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) conference.

Sir Steve Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council, said: “When we announced our vision for the town centre almost a decade ago, there was a feeling that markets were on their way out.

“In Barnsley, that’s not the case, and the public told us that as well - our market is the heart of our town centre and they wholeheartedly agreed that it should form a key part of the regeneration.

“The town centre has gone through huge improvements over the past five years with the creation of the Glass Works, but a key priority through the whole process has been retaining Barnsley’s famous market and creating an environment where it can continue grow into a modern, thriving market.

“We’re proud of it, it’s a fantastic place and that will continue.”

A key part of the regeneration project was the building of a new market hall at the heart of the development, replacing the previous structure that was opened in the 1970s.

The Glass Works fully opened in 2021 and has gone from strength to strength ever since - footfall for the Glass Works and Barnsley Market combined was 6.8 million in 2023, a 22.5 per cent increase compared to the previous year, and the market’s occupancy rate is one of the highest in the country.

Coun Steve Green, who in his mayoral year opened the new-look indoor hall, praised it for defying the national odds which has seen other markets dwindle.

“It was a huge honour for me to open it,” he added.

“It’s buzzing and the fact it’s so highly occupied shows what a success it’s been.”

Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture at Barnsley Council, said: “It is fantastic to see the work that has been done by the Barnsley Market team recognised with this prestigious national award, especially in the year we have celebrated the 775th anniversary of Barnsley being presented with its market charter.

“The market is attracting thousands of coach visitors from across the country, already achieving the highest number in over a decade so far this year.

“Shoppers are coming from across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, the north-east and north-west to experience everything Barnsley has to offer, and leaving with smiles on their faces and bags full of shopping.”

Clocking up more than 700 years’ service to the town is a remarkable feat and one that shows no sign of ever stopping.