Part of The Glass Works, a redevelopment scheme funded by Barnsley Council, Barnsley Markets have been at the heart of the town centre since 1249. The existing Metropolitan Centre required refurbishment, as since construction in 1972 the building had undergone several layout changes and had become outdated and cramped.
The resulting refurbishment brings the famous and traditional Barnsley Markets under one roof, offering a bright, spacious, accessible and contemporary environment, attracting more people to Barnsley town centre and stimulating economic growth.
Henry Boot Construction have been the embodiment of collaborative working since their appointment, working tirelessly to overcome challenges and to embed themselves in the local community. The project, now complete, is of an amazing quality and has been lauded by all. There is no doubt that this could not have been achieved without the teamwork HBC fostered throughout.
Nick Jones, Director, Turner & Townsend
The Barnsley Markets are part of The Glass Works, a wider scheme to redevelop and transform Barnsley town centre.
On the ground floor, the Food Hall offers a modern and spacious shopping environment with stalls tailor-built to the needs of each trader. Upstairs, the Market Kitchen provides a brand-new eating experience, with a range of traditional market cafes and eateries, including a bar.
The atrium forms the centre of the market and is completely unrecognisable from its previous condition. It is now a flexible space designed to accommodate events and pop-ups, flooded with natural light from the roof light above.
Refurbishing the markets whilst keeping over 100 market stalls trading was a huge challenge, overcome through construction of a temporary markets building and phased handovers. The site team worked around the clock to ensure all traders could move into the new markets before Christmas.
I'd been in the old market for 26 years so this is a big change for us. But trade has been very brisk, customers really like the brightness of the place, and the cleanliness and airiness of it. When I look at Barnsley now I really can see a bright future, because at last, the town centre is setting itself alive with new shops, a new beginning and a new vibrancy.
David Barker, Butcher, Barkers the Butchers
Key features of the markets include:
- Wide aisles
- Energy-efficient lighting
- Strategically placed lifts and escalators to encourage footfall around the market
- Stalls planned against walls so shoppers can easily view all stalls
- Solar thermal panels installed to increase the temperature of the water in the building
- Existing concrete ceiling was retained to help absorb heat during the day, making the building more environmentally friendly
