From left to right: David Kennedy (BMBC), Andrew Ainsworth (BDA), Cllr Stephen Houghton (Leader, BMBC), Sylvia Yates (Objective 1), Cllr Thomson, Paul Barber (Priority Sites), Cllr Newman.

The scheme has been made possible by the developer’s close working partnership with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Barnsley Development Agency and South Yorkshire Objective 1. It is anticipated that the development project will create up to 120 jobs for local people.

Comprising a number of high quality industrial and hybrid units ranging in size from 5,000 sq. ft to 25,000 sq. ft, the development offers businesses looking for quality premises located very close to the M1 motorway the ideal environment.

Paul Barber, Chief Executive of Priority Sites opened the ceremony, and he was joined by speakers, Cllr Stephen Houghton, Leader of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, and Sylvia Yates of the Objective 1 Programme.

Paul Barber comments: “The development is a further indication of our whole-hearted commitment to the regeneration success of Barnsley. We are highly confident that these units will prove equally as popular as those on our other Barnsley schemes, including Wharncliffe Business Park and Park Springs, Grimethorpe, where occupiers’ businesses have served to create 130 jobs.“

“On these sites, occupiers comprise companies from outside of the region attracted by the town’s proximity to the motorway and main arterial routes, and businesses within the region who are looking to expand into modern, purpose-built flexible accommodation. Shortwood offers the very same recipe, and is already attracting very high levels of interest.”

David Kennedy, Chief Executive of Barnsley Development Agency, commented: “We are delighted that Shortwood is bringing new job opportunities to the area and stimulating inward investment, and we will continue to work with Priority Sites to identify potential occupiers of the units.”

Cllr Steve Houghton, Leader of the Council, BMBC, adds: “As part of the Sector 36 Business Parks, Shortwood is playing a key role in the overall regeneration strategy for the M1 Strategic Economic Zone. This exciting development is a further vote of confidence for the Barnsley economy.”

Sylvia Yates of Objective 1 adds: “The O1 Programme is now in its fifth year and evidence is abundant across South Yorkshire that the place is on the move. Shortwood Business Park is a fantastic example of what is on offer in Barnsley, with more to come in and around the town. Shortwood demonstrates what happens when public and private partners work together and invest European Funds to transform the area.”

Priority Sites, a commercial development joint venture owned by The Royal Bank of Scotland and English Partnerships, is one of England’s most active developers with a new building contract now starting on average every four weeks. Its success is due to the fact that it provides quality business premises that fit the needs of the companies that regional and local enterprise agencies want to attract, bringing new, long-term jobs to parts of England that need them the most. Unlike many commercial developers, building is done mainly speculatively, allowing companies to either rent or buy. For further information visit the website www.prioritysites.co.uk.