The transformation of Barnsley town centre

Barnsley is a proud market town with heritage in coal mining, glass making, and linen weaving. The closure of the mines devastated Barnsley, and just as we were finding our feet, austerity hit. Our funding has been cut by 50% since 2010.

On paper, anyone would think our options are limited, but our past has not, and will not, stop us from believing in Barnsley as the place of possibilities. We’re making our vision become a reality, for the future of our town.

We’ve invested £220 million into the award-winning Glass Works redevelopment in our town centre. It’s innovative – connecting leisure, retail, culture, learning and health. We have a state-of-the-art library, a flagship NHS diagnostics centre, one of the country’s first COVID-19 memorials, a centrepiece public square, 13 screen cinema, and a four-year Purple Flag accreditation. We’re connected to our roots, with a modern market experience including our fabulous Market Kitchen.

We’re passionate about making Barnsley the place of possibilities for our people, businesses, and visitors.

We’re proud to be LGC and MJ Council of the Year 2023.