BARNSLEY’S Base71 Youth Zone has been shortlisted for three prestigious awards.

The youth zone has been shortlisted in the RTPI Yorkshire Awards for Planning Excellence 2026, which recognise the best plans, projects and people shaping our communities.

This shortlist recognition celebrates Base71 as a state-of-the-art facility and landmark development in Barnsley.

It has also been shortlisted in the South Yorkshire Property Awards.

CEO Mandy Carlson said: “Being shortlisted for these prestigious awards is a great honour, and really goes to show the impact planning facilities like this can have on a community.

“We are delighted that our work is reaching so many young people and their families - since we opened in January, we have grown our membership to over 7,000 young people across Barnsley.

“We are proud to be part of the regeneration of our town.”

Councillor Andy Cudworth, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, added: “Being shortlisted for an RTPI award is a real testament to the strength of planning and partnership behind Base71, which has transformed a key town-centre site into a facility delivering high-quality activities for young people in Barnsley.

“Projects like Base71 really demonstrate how effective planning can go beyond the physical development of a site, helping to create places that support our communities.”