MILLIONS of people are flocking to Barnsley town centre every year, new figures obtained by the Chronicle have revealed.
According to a Freedom of Information request, more than 25 million visitors have been recorded since 2021/22, with year-on-year rises being recorded ever since.
The 2023/24 financial year, which saw 6,983,944 visits, is set to be surpassed when the following year’s statistics are published, with projections of 7.7 million being forecast.
According to the council, the catalyst for the rocketing numbers has been the Glass Works - the £220m regeneration scheme which transformed the town centre and brought in big-name businesses such as The Botanist, Cineworld, Nando’s and TK Maxx among others.
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, told the Chronicle: “We are proud that our vibrant town centre continues to see increasing footfall year-on-year, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond.
“This reflects our investment in making the town centre a welcoming place where people love to spend their time.
“Barnsley offers a varied blend of shops, from well-known brands in the Glass Works and the Alhambra to unique independent businesses.
“At the heart of the town is our historic market, popular with regular shoppers and first-time visitors alike for its variety of stalls and lively atmosphere.
“It is not just a shopping destination - it offers a range of places to eat and drink to suit all tastes.
“What truly sets Barnsley apart is the friendly atmosphere - visitors are sure of a warm welcome.
“This combination of diverse shopping options, cultural attractions and a welcoming environment drives the ongoing growth in footfall.
“We have ambitious plans for the future and we’ll continue investing in making Barnsley an even better destination, and spreading the word about how it’s a great place to work, shop and visit.”
The summer’s figures are also expected to be high, with the knock-on impact of Barnsley boxer Callum Simpson’s forthcoming European title bout at Oakwell on June 7 set to boost footfall again.
However, council bosses are still exploring options for more accommodation in a bid to attract overnight visitors, which is set to see a 140-room hotel built on County Way.
Nearby hotels include the 110-room Premier Inn in the town centre, but both the 77-room Holiday Inn at Dodworth and the 117-room Ibis Styles, also in Dodworth, are three miles out of the centre, as is Stairfoot’s 32-room Travelodge.
Matt O’Neill, executive director of growth and sustainability at Barnsley Council, added: “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.”
