Barnsley marks a year until the opening of the Glass Works

One of the only shopping and leisure developments in the country to be under construction, it is now 60 per cent let and is part of a major Council-led regeneration of the town centre, that will include 25 new shops, seven new restaurants, a bowling alley, Laser Quest and soft play centre, and a 13 screen cinema.

The milestone date comes as a recent report from the Centre for Cities shows Barnsley is in the top 10 towns and cities in England for spend following lockdown, and follows other improvements to the town centre, including the opening of the refurbished market in late 2018, the new Library @ the Lightbox in July last year and public realm improvements.

The leader of Barnsley Council, Coun Steve Houghton, said there was a “huge amount of confidence” in the development, which has secured big name sign ups including Next, Sports Direct, TK Maxx, and most recently, shoe seller Deichmann.

Coun Houghton said: “We’re committed to delivering the scheme now more than ever.

“This is not just another shopping centre, it’s something much more ambitious, especially given the mix between leisure and shopping.

“We firmly believe the flexibility of the scheme is what the high street needs, what Barnsley needs and can complement and strengthen the rest of the town centre.”

It has been an undoubtedly tough year for retail. According to the British Retail Consortium, May saw the sales slump since 1995, when records began.

The aim, Coun Houghton said, is to tap into major markets that are not currently visiting the town centre by giving people “even more reasons to come to Barnsley as a whole”.

“The fact we are a year away from opening - despite challenging economic times - is testament to the strength of this game-changing scheme that will have a hugely positive impact on our local economy and the lives of people right across Barnsley,” he added.

“The whole town can benefit, and the plan means we are looking at a long-term joined up approach – with The Glass Works just one key part of the wider regeneration of our town centre.

“Investing approximately £200m into our town centre means we’re creating a thriving, bustling, family-friendly high street that people can visit at any time, day or night.

“Even though there’s no escaping that we’re in the middle of a global pandemic, which may impact the overall cost of the scheme as we move forward, we’re committed now more than ever to The Glass Works and our town centre regeneration.”

Queensberry, developers behind the Glass Works, said it will help to position Barnsley as a “perfect example of a thriving regional hub”.

Chief executive Paul Sargent said the development would offer “a sense of community” and facilities for independent traders alongside established national brands, the historic market, cultural and leisure uses and access to open space.

He added: “The Council really has provided a road map for delivering regeneration and as we look to the next year, we are confident about the opportunities that lie ahead for Barnsley and the wider region.”

While the name of the development harks back to Barnsley’s past playing home to major glass manufacturing, it is very much hoped that the Glass Works would cement the town’s future.

Coun Houghton added: “Our investment will help create a future-proof high street that will protect our investment and put Barnsley firmly on the map.”