Trio of lettings confirmed for shopping and leisure destination

A dessert vendor, a South Yorkshire-based burger chain and a specialist gift shop are the latest businesses poised to move into The Glass Works in Barnsley – creating 37 jobs in the process.

Dolly’s Desserts is to open a second town centre outlet next to the new Cineworld, which opens later this month.

Fronting The Glass Works public square, its brand new two-floor outlet will be in addition to its successful kiosk in Market Kitchen.

Urban Burger – which runs a series of popular restaurants in Rotherham, Doncaster and Halifax, and Hidden Pretty Gifts – a boutique gift shop, will join Dolly’s Desserts in neighbouring units.

Dolly’s Desserts owner, Janine Davies, said her new venue will create at least ten new jobs and she will soon be looking to recruit bakers and front of house staff.

“We have chosen to continue our expansion at home in Barnsley, as we feel The Glass Works development is the perfect fit for our brand and how we want to portray our business moving forwards.

“The opportunities the new unit will bring are huge. We have designed a space that will not only be a vibrant and aesthetically pleasing, mirroring our social media presence for the best customer experience, but will provide the production spaces we need to bake our goods on site giving us the opportunity to sell online, supply our own outlets and possibly supply other local business.”

Mehmet Kent, who runs Urban Burger, and will create 25 jobs, added: “Barnsley will be our fifth store and it’s a big honour for us to be a part of The Glass Works development. As a local company, it’s great to have this opportunity and we’re excited to share our venue’s experience with locals.”

Daniella Monden from Hidden Pretty Gifts, said: “This will be our second store and will create two new jobs. Our first store has been trading in Wakefield for eight years and we’re looking forward to bringing our exclusive, stylish gifts to Barnsley.”

Councillor Robert Frost, cabinet spokesman for regeneration and culture, said: “Barnsley is quickly becoming a regional hotspot for launching and growing a business. There’s lots of free expert business support available for independent businesses, whether that’s to help scale up or to tap into niche sectors and digital marketplaces.

“Dolly’s Desserts is a fabulous local success story and we’re thrilled that Charlie and Janine have chosen to open a second, larger outlet in their home town.”

All three of the new businesses plan to open their doors to the public this autumn.