AN investigation into whether the regeneration of Barnsley town centre is working has revealed it will be a very different place in the future.
The study was carried out by Barnsley Council's economy task and finish group and the findings were outlined to the ruling cabinet by Coun Paul Hand-Davis.
He told members: "We are now moving in a different direction and we also accept the future will not be just retail shopping in our town centre.
"It will be about the cultural offer such as libraries, restaurants and businesses."
He said the group found vacancy levels for commercial properties are low and occupancy rates have recently increased.
However, it was noted there are parts of the town centre where retail property is not in high demand, including The Arcade and Albert Street.
The report says that while commercial property occupancy levels are high, there are few attractions in the town centre for young families.
It states: "The introduction of family-orientated restaurants and other non-retail businesses might help to encourage families in to the town centre."
