BARNSLEY town centre’s bustling high street which has posted record-breaking footfall since its regeneration’s completion has been ranked as one of the UK’s top-performing locations.

Using data from the ONS and Centre for Cities, the study ranked 55 locations across six key indicators including business opening rates, closures, retail vacancies, weekend visits, night-time activity and retail jobs per 100,000 residents.

Barnsley ranked 14th in the list but was the highest-rated in the north of England and the second-best town, just behind Bournemouth.

However, Barnsley’s high weekend activity index - which placed it second in the UK - and its fourth-highest night-time activity scoring saw it pip many cities including Nottingham, Bristol, Nottingham and Leeds.

Laura English, who helped conduct the research, said: “High streets are often talked about as if they are all facing the same problem, but the data shows a much more mixed picture.

“Some are clearly under pressure, especially where vacancy rates are high or business closures are outpacing new openings, but others are still managing to bring people in at weekends, support a strong retail workforce and keep units occupied.

“What stands out from the ranking is that the strongest high streets are not always the biggest cities.

“That tells us a healthy high street is not built on one thing alone.

“It needs shops, places to eat and drink, reasons to visit after work, and enough local employment to keep the area active.

“The places that feel more resilient are usually those where new businesses are coming in, empty units are being kept under control, and people still have a reason to spend time in the city centre rather than simply passing through.

“Even with online shopping now part of everyday life, these figures show there is still real demand for in-person retail, hospitality and leisure.

“The challenge for many cities is making sure high streets are not just places to shop, but places people actually want to visit, work in and stay in.”

A key driver in Barnsley’s success has been the Glass Works, the £213m regeneration scheme which brought big-name businesses such as Nando’s, The Botanist and Cineworld to the town centre.

Footfall in the town centre surpassed 2.39 million over the most recent three-month period, while the council said 4,400 visitors were brought to the neighbouring market between January and November last year.

Matt O’Neill, executive director for growth and sustainability, added: “It’s hugely encouraging to see Barnsley recognised as the highest‑ranked northern town in Britain’s strongest high streets study, ahead of much larger city centres including Leeds, Sheffield and Wakefield.

“This result reflects the real strength of Barnsley’s town centre, particularly our strong weekend activity and thriving night‑time economy.

“High levels of evening footfall show that people are choosing to spend their leisure time here.

“Barnsley’s success has been driven by deliberate choices and sustained, co-ordinated placemaking rather than short‑term fixes.

“It began with the Glass Works but didn’t stop there, with targeted investment across the wider town centre including Eldon Street and improved connections between the Victorian Arcade and Oakwell Stadium.

“Developments such as The Seam, alongside new attractions like the Yorkshire Rose sculptures, plans for a new four‑star hotel, the National Centre for Digital Technologies and Barnsley becoming the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town, are further strengthening the town’s sense of place and creating distinctive, welcoming spaces that people want to spend time in.

“A strong night‑time economy is underpinned by safety and partnership working, and Barnsley’s seven consecutive Purple Flag accreditations reflect the commitment of local businesses, the council, police and partners to delivering a town centre that feels safe, welcoming and well managed.

“That confidence encourages people to visit more often and stay longer.

“With 2024/25 footfall reaching 9.2 million and further investment underway through programmes such as the £35m Principal Towns programme, this recognition is a testament to the collective effort behind Barnsley’s transformation and reinforces the town’s growing reputation as a vibrant, resilient and confident place to be.”