Business wins £11m contract as part of town’s regeneration project

Barnsley-based firm Billington Structures has been appointed to provide an £11m structural steel package for the next stage of a major regeneration scheme for the town.

The contract covers the second stage of The Glass Works – Barnsley Council’s town centre regeneration scheme, which began in March 2016 and has seen the creation of Library @ the Lightbox and the transformation of Barnsley Markets.

The main contractor is Henry Boot Construction and this business and the council said their selection of Billington Structures demonstrates their commitment to supporting the local supply chain.

Barnsley Council stressed it has always had an ambition to put as much of the project costs as possible directly back into the local economy. And Henry Boot Construction has placed £20 million worth of subcontract orders with Barnsley-based companies.

Phase 2 of the works includes the creation of 100,000 sq ft of retail space for a variety of shops and over 25,000 sq ft of cafés and restaurants. This will frame a landscaped Public Square and provide a new shopping route. Two key leisure anchors – Cineworld and Superbowl UK – along with more than 90,000 sq ft of leisure facilities will also be delivered.

Commenting on the structural steel package, Ryan O’Loughlin, Director at Henry Boot Construction, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with Billington Structures on Phase 2 of the project, which continues our commitment to investing in Barnsley-based businesses wherever possible.

“After a successful collaboration on Phase 1, we are confident Billington will deliver a high-quality scheme on programme and to budget, and awarding this contract ensures a significant amount is reinvested in local jobs and training opportunities for the people of Barnsley.”

Mark Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Billington Structures, said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Henry Boot on this very exciting development for Barnsley. As a significant employer in the area, we are particularly looking forward to successfully delivering this major local project.

“The scheme will make a huge impact in Barnsley and surrounding areas, creating new jobs and opportunities.”

Councillor Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place, said: “We’re delighted to be working with a Barnsley-based company in Billington Structures for this next key stage of the regeneration.

“One of the main aims of The Glass Works is to put money from the project costs back into the local economy where possible, helping to create jobs and training opportunities for local people. By awarding Billington Structures this contract we’re fulfilling that aim, and we will continue to work with local businesses as the scheme edges towards completion.”