Is this the shape of things to come for car park site?

BARNSLEY Council is drawing inspiration from the iconic gardens at the Marina Bay in Singapore for its new-look Seam project in the town centre.

The council axed its original plans for The Seam, on County Way, which had promised a 386-space multi-storey car park and an energy-efficient housing estate.

However, cabinet members will discuss new plans on Wednesday which include a new 300-space car park including electric vehicle charging points, improved lighting and CCTV.

Plans will also include the creation of a new urban green space which will serve the town centre and Seam visitors, including users the Digital Media Centre (DMC) and Barnsley College.

Bosses are drawing inspiration from the gardens at the Marina Bay in Singapore, with aims to integrate similar concepts into the town.

Digital tree designs could be used which harvest rainwater, and feed the wider greenery at the scheme.

Matt O’Neill, executive director for growth and sustainability, said: “If we stand still, the borough’s economy will stand still.

“Therefore, we have revisited our plans for the Seam and are looking for new ways to become more digital and sustainable.

“We want the best for our residents and businesses and are looking at international best practice to inform our thinking.

“Our ambitions are to be the foremost technology and digital leaders in the UK and build upon our leadership position across South Yorkshire.

“To attract private investment, you need high quality innovative public realm and this is the model that has been taken to great effect in Singapore. The phase one work will see us make improvements which will bring high quality public realm spaces seen at the Glass Works expand into the digital campus space, as well as improve parking quality, with significant capacity for electric vehicle charging.”