After all the waiting and the wondering the new Barnsley town hall square has finally opened.
For months workmen have toiled behind giant hoardings as the square and its gardens took shape.
Yesterday the square was officially opened - although its fountains were not switched on as they needed more weeks to ensure the concrete which surrounds special seals has set rock solid.
Most visitors expecting to see exactly where the £1.9million the scheme has cost has been spent will be disappointed as most of the work that has gone on is already hidden from view underground.
That includes filling in and making safe cellars left behind by terraced homes which stood on the site, creating retaining walls, building an underground control room, giant water tanks and filtration systems.
Tomorrow the square will stage its first event at 10.30am when soldiers will parade as part of a week of events to recognise the work of the country's Armed Forces.
At noon as many people as possible are being urged to join hands and to encircle the town hall and the new square to mark the opening of the square and Experience Barnsley. There will be live music, a brass band, a DJ and entertainment.
Coun Roy Miller, cabinet spokesman said: "I believe this and similar projects will lift Barnsley town centre, stimulating growth and encouraging investment that will strengthen the town centre business economy.
"This and other measures set out in the council’s economic strategy will be the catalysts to create new jobs and grow business, enhancing the vibrancy of the town centre, both day and night.”
• It may have just opened, but in several weeks some of the stone paving in the top section of the square will be taken up.
Officials say because of time factors and because several events, such as tomorrow's parade, had already been scheduled, it was always planned to temporarily complete the square for the official opening date.
So the top section of paving was only laid on sand and was always intended to be lifted before the paving is finally permanently set in place.
