Regeneration scheme ‘still on track’ for completion

A “transformative” regeneration scheme for Barnsley is still on track for completion, according to a report presented to councillors.

Members of Barnsley Council’s ruling cabinet were told The Glass Works is scheduled for a late 2021 completion, just a few months later than originally scheduled despite pandemic related disruption.

The report illustrates how delays have been kept to a minimum thanks to the council and contractor Henry Boot Construction working together to ensure the site remains operational.

Ryan O’Loughlin, director at Henry Boot, said: “Our first priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our people and the communities we work in.

“The Glass Works project team have done a tremendous job in overcoming the unique challenges posed by Covid-19.

“The team continue to review how tasks can be performed effectively and safely, while operating in line with the Government’s directives as issued by Public Health England.

“This has involved detailed engagement with our partners, clients, contractors, supply chains and their workforce.

“We will continue to review these plans and listen to all the expert advice available regarding Covid-19 and safe working practices.”

The report details how, despite national uncertainty on the high street being amplified following the outbreak, the council is in negotiations with two national names for The Glass Works, in addition to the 10 operators already signed.

Those include leisure anchors Cineworld and Superbowl UK, retail anchor Next, Sports Direct including fashion arm USC, Muffin Break, national restaurant chain Nando’s, independent restaurant MEET and the already open Falco Lounge, Coffee Boy and JD Sports.

Barnsley Market remains a key anchor of The Glass Works. Stalls providing essential goods have remained trading throughout the pandemic.

Overall, The Glass Works is set to create approximately 1,100 jobs in Barnsley by 2025.

Councillor Tim Cheetham, cabinet spokesman for Place, said: “We are committed to The Glass Works now more than ever, illustrated by the measures we continue to take to ensure the scheme is a success.

“The Glass Works will lead the council’s economic recovery plan. We are committed to a jobs-led recovery – and the scheme continues to provide jobs in construction, which will be followed by the 1,100 jobs the project will deliver long term.

“There’s no denying that the Coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on the opening date of scheme.

“While we’re doing all we can to ensure that date doesn’t slip by much and we’re still on track for a late 2021 completion, feedback from the operators suggests that a delay is a positive, as it allows more time for life – and shopping habits – to return to normal.

“We’re currently in negotiations with two more operators for the scheme, which illustrates the strength of The Glass Works offer.

“That said, COVID-19 has already had an impact on the UK high street, as we’ve seen with the closure of nationally recognised names.

“Our development partner, Queensberry, is preparing a report that analyses the impact of the pandemic on the retail and leisure market.

“While we will remain flexible in our letting approach and will change our strategy if necessary, any operators we bring to Barnsley will continue to be the right ones for the scheme and the town.”