Barnsley is undergoing a programme of innovative developments to transfrom it into a 21st Century Market Town – a modern community that provides employment, culture, the arts, accommodation, leisure, retail and a place to relax, all focused in its centre. It is the realisation of the aspirations of the local people of Barnsley.

The town centre will be defined by seven districts, each with a distinctive character that collectively will contribute to the evolution of Barnsley as a 21st Century Market Town.

Barnsley promises a wealth of opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

WHAT ARE THE SEVEN DISTRICTS?

The Markets
The new Barnsley Markets will deliver an iconic development at the heart of the town centre. Whilst retail led, it will also include leisure, social and cultural elements and provide a new modern facility for the existing outdoor and indoor market to promote Barnsley’s strength and character as a market town. The goal for the Barnsley Markets is to act as a catalyst to increase economic activity in the central area of the town and become a commercial driver for the wider town.

The Civic and The Lanes
The Civic and The Lanes present a unique opportunity to revitalise the centre of Barnsley by drawing on existing creative elements to develop a vibrant arts and cultural quarter. The grade II listed Barnsley Civic and Mandela Gardens are at the heart of The Lanes Quarter. Current proposals herald a cultural boom for the town.

The Civic will become the hub of this creative district through its transformation into a creative and cultural centre. It will accommodate workshops, studio and exhibition space, offices, meeting rooms, and retail space for arts and crafts – along with the unique Design Centre.

The Lanes are a small and intimate district comprising of a close-knit network of passages and arcades. The ambition is to secure boutiques, specialist gift and homeware shops and more cafés/ bistros.

A remodelled Mandela Gardens, adjoining the Civic, will create an informal meeting and performance area with a café/ restaurant pavilion – an appropriate new gateway to the revitalised Civic and the wider Lanes district.

Churchfields
Churchfields will offer high quality residential living. The new concentration of residents will inevitably lead to shops such as specialty grocers moving into the district. The area around the nearby St Mary’s Church enhances the quality of the area and provides an attractive gateway to the town centre.

Westgate
Westgate will become the commercial and civic centre of the town, housing the new Council Offices as well as prestigious offices and apartments on the ‘Gateway Plaza’ campus.

Courthouse Campus
The Courthouse district is seen as the focus for education and community facilities as well as opportunity for leisure and residential uses. A key element of this area will be the provision of parking to serve the town centre.

Eastgate
The main focus of the district will be the new Transport Interchange, incorporating rail and bus links and providing access directly into the heart of the town. There will also be a temporary car park and plenty of office space created nearby, providing an ideal location for new businesses setting up in the town.

Southgate
Already renowned for being the centre for Barnsley’s nightlife, Southgate will be made available to all age groups. This will be achieved by opening up the area to a more diverse and cultural experience including restaurants, bistro’s and cafes as well as nightclubs.