THREE centrepiece sculptures which play a key role in the creation of a new urban park in the town centre have been installed.
The so-called ‘Yorkshire Roses’ - which include a 15-metre-high central figure and two neighbours at 12 metres - have been erected at The Seam, off County Way.
Originally designed by artist Tim Ward, the sculptures are situated serve as both a ‘visual gateway and a powerful symbol of Barnsley’s pride, ambition and investment in its future’, according to the council.
Work on the improved parking facilities is already well underway and will add well-lit pedestrian walkways, more trees, better lighting and upgraded CCTV.
Phase one is scheduled to be completed in spring 2026 while phase two work, which remains subject to planning, will look to develop the upper Seam car park, add a third Digital Media Centre, a high-end hotel and a National Centre for Digital Technologies.
Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said: “We’re making excellent progress and our vision is really starting to come together with the sculptures in place and the improved car park taking shape too.
“It’s fantastic to see the sculptures in place now as we really ramp up the excitement for this project.
“Their incredible light and sound capabilities will make them a dynamic addition to an already-thriving town centre, providing a new and unique visitor attraction which can be embedded into our excellent events programme.
“We can’t wait for the opening of phase one, which we hope will be a catalyst for further growth and innovation in our local and regional economy by making The Seam a hub for tech and digital businesses.
“This will create more and better jobs and help us to build a lifelong digital pathway to ensure our residents are ready to thrive in the modern world.”
Most of the funding for phase one of The Seam has come from the government’s Future High Streets Fund, an initiative with strict criteria as to what the money can be spent on.
The funding is being used to support improvements to council services - such as the improved car park and road works - however, this must be part of a larger regeneration project like The Seam.
Graham Dundas, chief executive of contractor Willmott Dixon, added: “It was a pleasure to see the Yorkshire Roses standing tall this week.
“These aren’t just sculptures, they’re a bold statement of intent that captures Barnsley’s ambition to lead Britain’s digital future.
“We’re immensely proud to partner with Barnsley Council on The Seam, a project that exemplifies our commitment to delivering brilliant buildings that transform lives and strengthen communities.
“The integration of art, technology and public realm demonstrates exactly the kind of innovative thinking that will position Barnsley as the destination of choice for the next generation of tech and creative businesses.”
