Barnsley West scheme secures go-ahead

A “flagship scheme” in Barnsley, Yorkshire, is set to create thousands of new jobs and homes.

Barnsley West, a “transformational” project on a 122-hectare site near Junction 37 of the M1, has received planning approval from Barnsley Council in what is being described as a “massive game-changer for the town”.

The development will deliver 1700 homes, a new primary school for up to 420 children, shops, community facilities and 1.2 million sq ft of employment space focused on advanced manufacturing, storage and distribution.

Leeds-based Sterling Capitol and Strata Homes are leading the scheme, which is expected to create up to 2000 jobs and deliver multi-million-pound investment to the region.

Strata will deliver the homes and school, while Sterling Capitol will establish Barnsley West as a leading hub for manufacturing and logistics in South Yorkshire.

Sir Bob Murray, founder and chairman of Leeds-based Sterling Capitol, who was previously chairman of Sunderland AFC and the founder and chairman of the Foundation of Light, the official charity of Sunderland AFC, said: “The decision to give the go-ahead to Barnsley West is welcome news.

“In the challenging economic times, this development will provide much-needed jobs and investment and will be a massive game changer for the town and the surrounding area.

“It’s a defining moment – the key to future prosperity.

“On a personal note, this means so much to me. 

“I have a real affinity for the site, which lies on top of an open-cast coal mine. 

“My father was a miner, and I built the Stadium of Light, the home of Sunderland AFC, on top of Monkwearmouth Colliery. 

“It’s so important to breathe new life into sites which such illustrious histories.

“Now that planning permission has been granted, we are completely focussed on delivering a transformational flagship employment site which will drive the town and the borough’s renaissance. 

“But this is about more than development—it’s about long-term investment, opportunity and confidence in Barnsley. 

“Barnsley West represents a major step forward in helping secure the area’s economic future, and we’re proud to be at the heart of it.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →