THE unveiling of a £16m transformation of a historic former mining college into a new ‘centre of innovation’ has been hailed as a ‘landmark moment’ for the town.
Yesterday, the college’s University Centre on Church Street was opened by Barnsley North MP Dan Jarvis and Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Marie Tidball.
The 93-year-old art deco building has been transformed into a modern, technology-rich Institute of Technology to retain and enhance the classic architecture inside and out, complemented with the latest innovations in construction and technology.
It will house higher level technical qualifications in SYIoT subjects such as engineering, construction and IT.
Funding for the project is a combination of Department for Education regional investment, and college capital funds.
It started in 2024 and now has a new atrium and a combination of learning resource and study zones set over three new mezzanine floors with a new glazed roof above and a modern cafe and breakout area at ground floor level.
David Akeroyd, principal and CEO at the college, said the unveiling is an ‘exciting time’ for the whole of Barnsley.
He added: “The opening of the University Centre is a landmark moment for higher-level education in Barnsley and the wider region.
“Together, we have taken a unique building that once stood as a symbol of Barnsley’s mining and technological excellence and reimagined it for the future, while keeping it where it has always historically been - at the cutting-edge of technical education.
“This is an exciting time for the college and all our partners involved in the South Yorkshire IoT - as we look ahead to a future in which our hard work has led to increased opportunities for retraining and upskilling, more accessible and higher-quality jobs, and a productive workforce who are skilled in the right areas.”
Dan Jarvis added: “Although I know it’s been a bit of a road up until this point, looking around I know that it’s truly been worth the wait.
“I know the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology already has homes in Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham.
“So it’s nice that they’ve obviously saved the best until last.”
Marie Tidball’s father, John, was integral to the formation of Barnsley College - and she said she was amazed by the unveiling.
She said: “I’m so proud that we’re leading the way here in Barnsley - backing young, homegrown talent and giving them more opportunities to learn.
“It will be a fantastic site.
“I have absolutely no doubt that it will continue our rich heritage around skills, technical knowledge and education, to ensure that all our local young people and adults can go onto fulfil their potential.”
