PLANS to convert two units in the Glass Works into one in a bid to attract a national retailer to the town following ‘interest’ from the unnamed firm have broken cover.
The units - SU11 and SU12 - are situated adjacent to River Island and The Fragrance Shop in the main area of the Glass Works shopping centre.
The space has been used by the council’s events team as temporary display spaces during town centre events and for storage for fitting out other units.
But plans have now been submitted to convert the two units into one following interest from a national retailer.
A planning report states: “The units are located within the Glass Works, which runs between Cheapside and May Day Green in Barnsley.
“The centre was officially opened in September 2021, providing a partially covered, modern shopping mall in the heart of the town centre.
“The centre is already home to several major high street retailers, some of whom have relocated from other premises in the town and others that have chosen to add Barnsley to their national portfolio.
“The vacant units, to which this application relates, are sited adjacent to River Island and The Fragrance Shop on the main mall.
“The units have been left open internally to provide flexibility to prospective tenants.
“Barnsley Council’s estates department have been working closely with their commercial agents to seek out suitable retailers for the vacant units.
“The recent acquisition of the Alhambra by Barnsley Council has prompted the development of a new town centre lettings strategy, which includes the Alhambra, Cheapside and the Glass Works.
“Recent interest from a medium-sized national retailer has prompted the proposed changes to formally combine the two existing units into one.
“Further to the above, Unit SU13 was partially taken by The Fragrance Shop, leaving around 70m2 of retail space to the rear.
“As this space has a ready formed entrance from the mall, the council have decided to expand the smaller kiosk unit provision, which will see this space re-named as K05.”
Five neighbouring properties have been made aware of the plans with no appeals to date.
Public consultation ends on July 7.
