BARNSLEY’S Yorkshire Roses were lit up on Monday night as phase one of The Seam was officially opened.

Using a combination of Future High Streets Funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and council funding, the Lower Seam has been transformed with the three Yorkshire Rose sculptures now standing proudly above a 4,700sqm urban park.

The central sculpture, which stands at 15 metres tall, has been named the ‘Mater’ (Mother) Rose, while the two additional 12-metre sculptures flanking it have been named the ‘Pruna’ (Glowing Coal) Rose and ‘Vitrum’ (Glass) Rose, honouring the borough’s industrial heritage.

Leader of Barnsley Council Sir Steve Houghton said: “It’s fantastic to open phase one of The Seam’s digital campus, a project which has been years in the making in the UK’s first investment zone.

“The Yorkshire Rose sculptures are an incredible addition to our town centre and will be a proud symbol of our new status as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town as well as driving forward the ambition from our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy of being the UK’s leading digital town.

“The technology involved is second to none and will provide some excellent opportunities for everyone, including our children and young people, to connect art and technology and explore new and emerging programmes which will help them to thrive in the modern world.

“We can’t wait to see the roses become a feature of future events, with planning already underway for their involvement in Bright Nights, Christmas, our bid to be UK Town of Culture 2028, and the rest of our outstanding events programme.”