More than thirty years ago Barnsley was a borough on the brink of collapse. Like many other communities built on mining, it was left reeling when the industry that sustained it vanished.
Yet this year, with more than nine million visitors to date, the South Yorkshire town is expected to rival York for footfall. While high streets across the country are fighting for survival.
Local council leader Sir Steve Houghton, used public consultation and the skills of architect Will Allsop, to form a plan for the town’s regeneration.
Transport Interchange 2005 Jefferson Sheard built at a cost of twenty three million pounds for South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.
A flagship development in the Remaking Barnsley Strategic Development Framework – the town’s thirty year masterplan – the new station needed to improve connection between public transport facilities and create an engaging passenger environment, complete with cafes and retail areas.
Train station + bus station = transport interchange.
1929
There are several examples of inter war, faience fronted infill dotted around the town centre, typically classical in style with touches of restrained Art Deco – a very English affair.
This was once Cable and later Saxone Shoes, the original businesses being TK Modes milliners, Jackson Ltd outfitter and S Tetley & Son tobacconists.
Saxone submitted a plan to update the shopfront in 1959 – Barnsley Archives ref: 11545
Harral’s
In 1904 the building became home to Benj Harral’s, the ornate clock was installed shortly after they moved in, along with a decorative tiled shopfront that spanned all three of the original properties.
Benjamin was an apprentice watch maker, and made clocks, watches, jewellery and leather goods. He was a member of the Clock Makers Company, one of the ancient City Guilds, and was given the freedom of the City of London. He made watches for members of the Admiralty, for use in the Royal Navy.
The shop closed in January 1985
Parkway Cinema 1956 TP Bennett & Son.
It was opened on 27th February 1956 with Julia Arnall & David Farrer in in Lost. What it lacked in ornamentation it made up for in comfort and spaciousness seating 706 in the stalls and 532 in the circle.
It was twinned in 1980 – having been renamed Odeon in 1962, and still shows first run movies on its two screens which seat 636 and 419.
However, long held plans for a multiplex could well have brought the cinema in Eldon Street to darkness. The Odeon closed on 17th September 2005 and it seemed that was the ‘last picture show’ in the building. Almost two years later it was taken over by an independent Parkway Entertainment Company Ltd. and re-opened as the Parkway Cinema on 8th August 2007.
AJ Sims store, formerly a shoe retailer on Eldon Street, ceased trading in 2025 more than 50 years after it opened at the location.
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Where Woolworths were.
Barnsley Library @The Lightbox 2015 IBI Group – built on the site of the former Shambles Street Central Library demolished in 2014.
Central to the town’s town centre regeneration is the @Thelightbox – a scheme which combines public space with retail and leisure.
Planning permission has been granted for the next phase of the £130m Glass Works development scheme in Barnsley town centre.
The 9.4 acre, £130m development scheme funded by Barnsley Council is set to transform the heart of the town centre.
Construction has already started on the initial phase of the scheme, which includes a new Library @ the Lightbox and a contemporary transformation of the Metropolitan Centre, which will provide a brand-new home for the town’s famous markets. Both are scheduled to open next year.
The second stage of the development, will begin in autumn 2018 and develop 25 new retail units and tem family-friendly restaurants, framing a new public square and shopping route.
This phase will also see the delivery of The Glass Works’ two key leisure anchors, a 13-screen Cineworld and Superbowl UK, who both signed 20-year leases earlier this year.
Barnsley Council and development manager Queensberry are working towards a completion date of 2020 for the entire scheme.
The £200m Glass Works development in Barnsley represents an extensive urban regeneration scheme of the town centre led by Barnsley Council with main contractor Henry Boot, architects IBI Group and installers RB Allfree. Comprising a vibrant mix of retail, leisure and a stunning new central square, it is now a modern, multi-use space that retains the heritage of the town.
Marshalls Scoutmoor Yorkstone was used throughout the transformed space. The buff and blue tones of the British stone landscape the entirety of Glass Works Square, a brand-new public space which enhances connectivity and accessibility in the town, as well as providing an attractive and relaxing area for shoppers, commuters and visitors.
A new bronze Covid Memorial by sculptor Graham Ibbeson titled ‘Reverence’, sits on a vast Yorkstone plinth. The focal point of The Glass Works Square, it commemorates all those who lost their lives during the pandemic. Bespoke sand-blasted lettering spelling out keyworker occupations spans the perimeter of the stone plinth, paying tribute to those who supported the town through this difficult period.
The impressive Glass Works shopping and leisure complex which has drawn big high street names to the town, boasts a blend of Marshalls beautiful Indian sandstone to create an attractive L-shape internal walkway that guides shoppers through the centre.
Positioned throughout the shopping boulevard are a co-ordinated suite of seating benches in four different configurations, planters, benches and bins. All from Marshalls Natural Elements range of street furniture, they are each inspired by biophilic design, which brings visual cues of nature into the space.
The Tommy Taylor Memorial Bridge opened in December 2023, linking The Glass Works square with the transport interchange and Market Gate Car Park.
The statue, designed by artist Kenny Hunter, shows a child standing on top of a six-metre column which represents the Barnsley seam of coal and is surrounded by commemorative paving including a list of mines engraved in Yorkstone.
Kenny Hunter added:
I’m delighted that the Barnsley boy has now returned.
He has been carefully restored and reinstalled in a very prestigious and prominent position in the town centre. Hopefully from up there he can watch the football on a Saturday.
The panel chose the name, in memory of the former Barnsley FC, Manchester United and England footballer tragically killed in the Munich air disaster in 1958.
Back onto Eldon Street for a former Burton’s.
Back now onto Queen Street and Cheapside where we find a former Marks & Spencers.
A still extant Boot’s and former BHS
This steel sculpture still in place – thought to be by students from the local College of Art.
To the right can the brutalist Market Hall can be seen, and in the centre the former Woolworths
The rear of the Markets and Metropolitan Centre the building was demolished in November 2015.
The building was designed for Norwich Union on a vacant site just south of the old outdoor markets in the 1960s. It was leased by South Yorkshire County Council from its formation in 1974 and was subsequently known as County Hall.
Photo: Tigz Mordan 1989
Following the abolition of South Yorkshire County Council in 1986, the building was renamed Central Offices and used by the housing, planning and public services departments of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. After being vacated by the Barnsley Council in 2007, the windows were lit up in various colours as a canvas for a large-scale public artwork in 2009.
Heading up to the Alhambra Shopping Centre opened in 1991 a two-level town centre hub featuring over thirty five stores – including Primark, The Entertainer, and Iceland—plus a new, major NHS community health hub.
Recently acquired by Barnsley Council, it is adjacent to Barnsley Market also known by its former name The Mall Barnsley.
Former Yorkshire Bank.
Empty former charity shop with exciting mosaic and detailing.
Up the hill now to the Sheffield Road Development flats.
Secular needs served by The Outpost estate pub.
Offering an inviting and cozy atmosphere that enhances the social experience for patrons. Renowned for its friendly and attentive staff, this establishment prides itself on exceptional customer service, ensuring that every guest feels valued and welcomed.
The Outpost boasts a diverse menu of beverages, catering to a wide range of tastes, making it an ideal destination for both casual outings and special occasions. Its spacious function room is perfect for hosting private events such as birthdays and anniversaries, with the added benefit of a thoughtful catering service that delights guests with delicious options.
The pub’s strategic location, just a short walk from Barnsley town center, provides ample parking opportunities, ensuring accessibility for everyone. Although there are steps at the entrance, wheelchair accessibility is available at the side door, demonstrating the venue’s commitment to inclusivity. The charming decor and refurbishment of the lounge create a warm ambiance, ideal for fostering friendships and community connections. Whether visiting for a pre-match drink or a cozy evening with friends, The Outpost continues to be a beloved fixture in the local scene, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and welcoming spirit.
Spiritual needs met by the Barnsley Baptist Church built in 1969 following road widening.
Back into the town centre and along Market Street.
Next up Pitt Street to the Sorting Office.
Back down to the Cooperative Bank.
Onwards along Market Hill to the HSBC.
Modern Mooch 