First national retailer opens within town centre regeneration scheme

Sports fashion giant JD Sports has officially opened its first Barnsley town centre store, becoming the first national retailer to open as part of The Glass Works – the regeneration of Barnsley town centre.

The sportswear retailer has signed a 10-year lease in the over 4,000 sq ft store, and is now trading and selling footwear and clothing from some of the world’s most famous sporting brands.

Its opening was officially marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Leader of Barnsley Council, Councillor Sir Steve Houghton.

Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place, said: “It’s an exciting time in our town centre as we head towards the busy Christmas shopping period, illustrated by the opening of JD Sports.

“JD Sports is a huge name in the world of retail and its opening is a key milestone for The Glass Works as we edge towards its completion in 2021. We hope the people of Barnsley enjoy shopping at the store.”

Jocelyn Holmes, senior leasing manager at Queensberry, said: “We are delighted that JD Sports chose The Glass Works development as a location for a brand-new store. It is an iconic and hugely popular British brand and the UK’s largest sports fashion retailer.

“This is another first for Barnsley town centre and we’re thrilled to see the store officially open its doors to the public ahead of the Christmas season.”

The Glass Works is the £180m development scheme funded by Barnsley Council. The refurbished Barnsley Market launched late last year with the new, state-of-the-art Library @ the Lightbox and neighbouring restaurant Falco Lounge now also open.

The second phase of the development, which will include 26 retail units and seven family-friendly restaurants, is well underway. This work will also see the delivery of the scheme’s two key leisure anchors, Cineworld and Superbowl UK.