Barnsley businesses hail impact of 'fantastic' town centre regeneration as footfall soars

Barnsley is now ranked as the sixth-best town in the country for post-Covid recovery in terms of footfall and spending.

Footfall in December 2022 was 46 per cent higher than the same month in 2021 and the total annual footfall was over six million in 2022.

In recent years, Barnsley has made strategic investments in its town centre, including the major modernisation of Barnsley Markets in 2018, opening Library @ the Lightbox in 2019 and launching The Glass Works in 2021.

Kevin Parkin, owner of Blackfords Barnsley, a specialised team and work-wear supplier located in the Victorian Arcade, said: “The regeneration of Barnsley town centre has been fantastic.

"We've definitely seen a big increase in footfall which can only mean good things for our business.

“I really don’t know where a lot of businesses would be without the investment.

"I know it’s been a real boost to a lot of companies across many different sectors, and there’s a real positive atmosphere in the centre at the moment.”

Phillip Potter, owner of The Spectacle Shop opticians in Barnsley Arcade, added: “The recent regeneration has really helped put Barnsley back on the map and we’re excited about the impact this can have on our business moving forwards.

"People are travelling into the town centre from further afield and many of our customers are now from outside of Barnsley.

"We hear lots of really positive comments about how much cleaner, more pleasant and attractive it is now."

In a press release, Barnsley Council said its business support throughout the pandemic and regeneration of the town centre has assisted the success of popular shops such as Closet Queen, Dolly’s Desserts, Marshmallow Blends and Blackford Sports, which are among those that have been in operation for more than three years.

The redevelopment programme has attracted major retail brands such as Flannels, River Island, TK Maxx and Next.

Overall, the investments have created around 1,100 full-time jobs, as well as the combination of new, existing and temporary construction jobs throughout their completion.

Barnsley’s leisure offer is also booming and is now the biggest draw on the high street, having increased by 2.8 per cent since 2017 - faster than the GB average at 2.2 per cent.

The additions of Superbowl UK and Cineworld, alongside the likes of Fridays, Coffee Boy, The Botanist and Nando’s, has revitalised the town centre and helped support new and existing businesses.

Councillor Robert Frost, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: "The success of 2022 has helped drive our local economy forward, despite the struggles many are facing due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

“I am proud that we have been able to invest in our town centre and continue supporting our local businesses and communities over the last few years. There is a real sense of pride, resilience, and positivity coursing through Barnsley right now.”