Council unveils first phase of redevelopment to expand digital campus

Barnsley Council is to unveil the first phase of redevelopment for the Seam Digital Campus, including plans for a new landmark.

The redevelopment of the lower Seam, off County Way, which is being delivered using Future High Streets and council funding, includes plans for an urban park comprising three separate natural gardens: the biodiversity garden, the digital garden and the town centre link.

Plans also include improved parking facilities for the remaining spaces which will serve visitors to the town centre and the Seam Digital Campus based on County Way.

The main attraction of the first phase of works will be three sculptures, known as the “Yorkshire Roses”, with the central sculpture standing 15m tall and two smaller 12m sculptures.

Proposals are being considered for the next phase of the Seam. Subject to planning, the council’s phase two work will look to further develop the Upper Seam car park, develop a third Digital Media Centre (DMC), include a high-end hotel and create a National Centre for Digital Technologies.

The transformation of lower Seam is intended to act as a catalyst for further collaboration between artists, digital designers, tech developers, and local businesses.

An application for planning permission has been submitted for the sculptures, alongside an application for the wider redevelopment of the Seam, with work anticipated to begin in summer 2025.

A report will be submitted to Cabinet in March 2025 to approve a combination of grant and council funding for the sculptures.

Councillor Sir Steve Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council, said: “We’re fiercely proud, ambitious, and bold in Barnsley, and the Yorkshire Rose sculptures symbolise our town’s resilience and optimism for a bright future.

“The next phase of The Seam Digital Campus reaffirms our commitment to making it the heart of our future economy.

“With new Digital Media Centres and public spaces, we’ll support digital sectors to enhance development opportunities in the town centre and bring in further investment and high-value jobs to Barnsley.”

Edward Naylor, chair of Barnsley Town Board and CEO of Naylor Industries, said: “This new phase of The Seam is more than just a step forward – it’s a statement.

“The redevelopment of the Seam will provide urban greenspace with high-quality public realm.

“By reshaping the arrival experience, The Seam positions Barnsley as an attractive destination for residents, visitors, and investors.”

Chris Yates, Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, added: “We are excited to be working with Barnsley Council to play our part in delivering a cutting-edge environment to bring the brightest tech businesses into South Yorkshire.

“We are focused on ensuring the construction of this transformational space leaves a lasting legacy for the people of Barnsley.

“We’re committed to delivering four new employment opportunities on the project, 80 apprentice weeks and running a bespoke Building Lives Academy skills programme for local long-term unemployed people.”