A SIGNIFICANT milestone in a major town centre development was struck yesterday when a groundbreaking ceremony was held to start the first phase of work.

Council representatives joined staff from contractors Willmott Dixon and Align Property Partners for the ceremony at The Seam, on County Way, where they were given a tour of the site and talked through the plans which will be brought to life over the next nine months.

The first phase will redevelop the lower Seam, adding a sprawling new urban park comprising three separate gardens, with three Tim Ward-designed ‘Yorkshire Rose’ sculptures.

Parking facilities will also be improved, adding well-lit pedestrian walkways, additional trees and upgraded CCTV and electric vehicle charging points.

The sculptures are expected to be installed later this year with all phase one works due to be fully completed in March 2026.

Sir Steve Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council, said: “I can’t wait to see this exciting scheme come to life.

“The Seam is another bold and ambitious project that lies at the heart of the ambition in our new Inclusive economic growth strategy to make Barnsley the UK’s leading digital town.

“We see the site as crucial to our future economy, providing a space which can act as a catalyst for further collaboration between artists, digital designers, tech developers, and local businesses, positioning Barnsley as a forward-thinking hub for creative innovation in the tech and digital sectors.

“Our ambition for this project extends beyond phase one.

“Subject to planning, phase two work will develop the upper Seam car park, add a third Digital Media Centre, include a high-end hotel and create a National Centre for Digital Technologies.

“This will set us up to equip our children and young people with essential digital skills through a lifelong pathway.”