Public urged to help shape multi-million town centre regeneration

THE PUBLIC are being urged to help shape detailed designs showing the proposed multimillion pound regeneration of a Yorkshire town centre after the plans were approved by councillors.

The scheme in Barnsley, costing more than £8m as part of The Glass Works development, features a new public square and improvements to the existing public spaces on May Day Green and Kendray Street, Cheapside, Queen Street, Peel Square and Midland Street.

According to Barnsley Council, whose decision-making cabinet body signed off on the plans yesterday, stylish “craggy” natural stone, high-quality paving, planters and trees will be combined to modernise and open-up the town’s new and existing public areas.

The main square at the heart of The Glass Works will feature terraces made from astro-turf and stone to create an amphitheatre for the hosting of events and performances. The designs for the square also include a cascading water pool, family-friendly outdoor dining venues and permanent outdoor market stalls.

Peel Square’s old public toilets would be removed to open up space and views of some of Barnsley’s most attractive buildings.

The council’s cabinet spokesperson for place, Coun Roy Miller, said: “A quality public environment can have a significant impact on the economic life of our town and has always been an essential part of our regeneration strategy.

“Businesses are attracted to locations that offer well-designed, well-managed public places and these in turn attract customers and services.

“We believe the changes will make a major impact and provide a town centre that we can all be proud of.”

Before a full planning application is submitted, the proposals can be viewed at the former Better Barnsley Shop on Cheapside on December 12, 13 and 15, and will be shown on the TV screen in Market Parade.

If planning consent is approved, work will begin in April on Cheapside and May Day Green and will be completed in 2020 to coincide with the opening of the retail and leisure phase of The Glass Works.