A NEW restaurant and bar - with a nod to the Barnsley-based story of Kes - will open at the end of May.
Falco Lounge will be the first site to open at The Glass Works since the opening of the new market, and will create 30 jobs for local people. The name is dedicated to the story of Kes, with Falco being the Latin genus for the falcon family.
The West Country based Lounges group will transform the site next to the new library into a ‘family-friendly retro-inspired retreat’ where eclectic artwork sits next to oversized vintage sofas and old school benches.
Particular attention will be paid to families with a selection of games and books, colouring pencils and pads.
Phil Kinsella, operations manager for The Lounges, which owns and runs a variety of venues across the UK, said: “We’re really looking forward to throwing open the doors at Falco Lounge and showing the locals how to lounge in style.
“The team are looking forward to becoming part of the community and will support local groups and initiatives wherever possible.”
A community notice board will be available for those wanting to publicise events and a book swap area will be kept well stocked. The team will also be holding regular fund-raising events as part of their commitment to making a difference in the community.
David Shepherd, Barnsley Council’s service director for regeneration and culture, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Falco Lounge to Barnsley, and confident it will be a great addition to the town centre and play a key role in helping us create a thriving and vibrant town centre that gives our community what it wants, needs and deserves.
“Having Falco Lounge as a neighbour to the Library @ the Lightbox, our new state-of-the-art community hub and flagship facility, makes the proposition a very unique offer. The synergy between the Lightbox and Falco Lounge will create a wonderful experience for people and the Lounge brand really compliments the library offer and slots in perfectly with existing names in the town centre.
“The opening of Falco Lounge is a testament to the positive impact The Glass Works is already having, and we are delighted that they have chosen to give it a name that relates to something very close to the hearts of the people of Barnsley.
“We look forward to working with Queensberry to announce other exciting new brands in the coming months.”
Jocelyn Holmes, senior leasing manager for Queensberry who is supporting Barnsley Council on the delivery of The Glass Works added: “Our vision for Barnsley is to curate a mix of uses to bring customers in to the town centre, whilst also celebrating the many great independent businesses that are already here.
“Falco Lounge will go a long way to achieving this by establishing a day to evening destination.”
