Barnsley Council has approved the outline planning application for the Better Barnsley town centre redevelopment submitted by IBI Group’s multidisciplinary design team.
An ambitious project, the plans look to transform and re-invigorate Barnsley’s central heart, comprehensively redeveloping the once industrial town dependant on coal mining.
The proposed scheme includes a new public open space (the Market Square), a significant extension and refurbishment of the market, a new public library, refurbishment of the Metropolitan Centre, high quality parking and a series of retail and commercial units including a cinema.
“The regeneration of Barnsley will make a significant difference to the local people and open up the opportunity for further investment into the area,” said Seamus Lennon from IBI Group. “Acting as architects, planners and landscape architects on this project, we are working with the Council to shape a place that is attractive, accessible and full of character – making a Better Barnsley for future generations.”
The next step will see IBI’s design team develop and submit ‘reserved matters’ applications for each element of the redevelopment, with stage two design reports going on public display in August.