Plans approved for £8m public realm development in Barnsley town centre

Designs of a proposed public realm development in Barnsley town centre, which is part of the £130m Glass Works retail scheme, have been granted approval.

The proposed plans, which were given the green light by the Barnsley Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday morning (November 29th), will now move forward to a public consultation in December to inform the submission of full planning application.

The regeneration of the town centre’s public realm, which will cost over £8m, will include a new public square and improvements to the existing public realm on May Day Green and Kendray Street, Cheapside, Queen Street, Peel Square and Midland Street.

Using a combination of ‘craggy’ natural stone, paving, planters and trees, the works will aim to modernise the town’s new and existing public areas.

The main square at the centre of The Glass Works will feature terraces made from astroturf and stone, creating an amphitheatre to host various events and performances. There will also be a cascading water pool, outdoor dining venues and some permanent outdoor market stalls.

The council announced that there will be a pre-planning consultation taking place in the former Better Barnsley Shop on Cheapside on 12th, 13th and 15th December.

If planning consent is approved following consultation, the phased programme of works will begin in April 2018 on Cheapside and May Day Green, and be completed in 2020 along with the opening of the retail and leisure phase of The Glass Works.

Councillor Roy Miller, Cabinet spokesperson for place, said: “We are delighted the new public realm plans are going to consultation next month and we look forward to showcasing our exciting designs to the public.

“A quality public environment can have a significant impact on the economic life of our town and has always been an essential part of our regeneration strategy. Businesses are attracted to locations that offer well-designed, well-managed public places and these, in turn, attract customers and services.

“The new public areas will connect The Glass Works development with the rest of the town centre and create an overall sense of place. The main square will create a new location in the heart of the town for people to socialise and relax.

“We believe the changes will make a major impact and provide a town centre that we can all be proud of. We will be expanding the #EverybodyThink campaign, to encourage people to act responsibly by disposing of litter and chewing gum in the many bins provided around the town centre.”