Barnsley Markets opening marks major milestone in multi-million-pound revamp of town centre
The new Barnsley Markets will officially open its doors this week, marking a major milestone in the multi-million-pound redevelopment of the town centre.
Barnsley Markets, which has been temporarily housed in May Day Green and Market Parade during the redevelopment of the town centre, will celebrate its move into The Glass Works on Friday 2 November.
An official celebration is planned for Saturday 3 November.
The new Barnsley Market mascot will be unveiled for the first time after the Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr Steve Green, will ring the traditional market bell following a speech from Leader of Barnsley Council, Sir Steve Houghton.
Cllr Roy Miller, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place, said: “Our brilliant market has always been – and will always be – at the heart of Barnsley. We’re famous for our market and the traders who choose to sell their goods in it, which is why the new Barnsley Market is the centrepiece of The Glass Works and regenerated town centre.
“The market building is extremely impressive and we can’t wait for the people of our town to see the work that’s gone in to it. A huge thank you must go to everyone involved in the project for their hard work.
“We must also thank our traders, both past and present, for sticking with us through the redevelopment and wish those not joining us in The Glass Works the very best for the future.
“For those traders moving into The Glass Works, we hope they reap the rewards for choosing to run their businesses in what will be one of – if not the – best markets in the country. Many of these traders have been with us for generations and we hope they’ll continue to trade in our market for generations to come.
“The market will speak for itself when people see it. What we ask now is that the people of Barnsley and indeed the surrounding areas come and support our traders at the start of the next chapter in Barnsley Market’s rich history.”
The opening of Barnsley Markets is the first major milestone as part of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of the town centre being delivered by the council and its development manager Queensberry.
The redevelopment includes new retail, restaurants, Cineworld, Superbowl UK and Library @ the Lightbox, plus public realm improvements including a new landmark public square.
Seamus Lennon, Studio Director at IBI Group – architect of the scheme, said: “We are delighted to have led the design for the new Barnsley Market. From the outset of the project, our focus has been on making Barnsley a 21st Century market town.
“Not only has the market been retained at the heart of the town, it has been transformed. It now has prominent and open access from Cheapside and Market Square. The interiors are highly accessible with level thresholds, wide aisles, wayfinding signage and energy efficient lighting.
“At the centre of the market is the atrium – completely unrecognisable from its previous condition. It is now a flexible space designed to accommodate events and pop-ups, flooded with natural light from the roof light above.
“We are grateful to Barnsley Council for supporting our ideas for the new market hall and to Henry Boot Construction for delivering it on site. We congratulate everyone involved in reaching this major milestone in the transformation of Barnsley town centre.”
