Construction firm to deliver next phase of town’s £180m regeneration project
Henry Boot Construction has signed a contract with Barnsley Council to deliver phase two of The Glass Works development scheme.
Glass Works Phase Two is the next stage of a £180m regeneration project which started in March 2016. Phase one, also completed by Henry Boot Construction, saw the building of the state-of-the-art Library @theLightbox and the transformation of Barnsley Markets to establish a new home for the town’s market traders.
Phase two of the works are set to include 100,000 sq ft of retail space for a variety of shops and over 25,000 sq ft of cafés & restaurants that will frame a landscaped Public Square and create a new shopping route.
A pair of key leisure anchors – Cineworld and Superbowl UK – along with more than 90,000 sq ft of leisure facilities will also be put in place. Cineworld will offer a modern, 13-screen multiplex cinema, while Superbowl UK will provide a fun environment for all ages with ten pin bowling.
Responding to the contract, Simon Carr, Managing Director at Henry Boot Construction, said: “We are delighted to have secured phase two of The Glass Works, building on the success of phase one where we maintained exceptional working relationships with our partners and supply chain, working together to deliver the project to the very highest standards.
“We also recognise the hard work and diligence of our pre-construction team in securing phase two.
“This is a really exciting time for the people of Barnsley and as a local contractor, we are very proud to be on the journey with them.”
Ryan O’Loughlin, Director at Henry Boot Construction, added: “It is fantastic news that we are able to continue our partnership with Barnsley Council on The Glass Works project.
“Phase one of the scheme has already delivered the regeneration of Barnsley Markets, the new Library and extensive Public Realm works. It is a multiple award-winning project but the part of the contract we are most proud of is our work in the local community.
“60 per cent of project staff are from Barnsley and have a real passion for ensuring the legacy of the project extends beyond bricks and mortar. To date, we have supported over 100 local training, employment and community projects with over £250,000 worth of funding.
“We have established the Barnsley Construction Skills Village and Better Barnsley bond initiatives – both with the aim of leaving a legacy beyond the completion of the project.
“More than £20 million worth of contracts have been awarded to Barnsley-based businesses, with over 200 new and safeguarded jobs. Our work with local education providers is unprecedented, with over 250 educational visits and workshops with Barnsley schools and 285 work experience placements for Barnsley students.
“We look forward to building on these achievements throughout The Glass Works Phase Two.”
Sir Stephen Houghton, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “Henry Boot have already delivered fantastic results, so we are pleased to have them on board for the next part of the scheme. Their commitment to not only the project but the local community is outstanding and they have made a significant impact in terms of employment and educational opportunities.
“The team is great to work with and there is a real partnership ethos across the whole project. We would like to congratulate them on being appointed and look forward to continuing to work with them.”
The phase two works are expected to be completed in June 2021.
