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Attending the official unveiling of The Glass Works Square

Members of our project team joined civic leaders, traders and shoppers at Barnsley’s brand-new public space yesterday as The Glass Works Square was officially unveiled to the public.

The new public square at The Glass Works is officially opened by Mayor Cllr Caroline Makinson

The new public square is the first part of a of a multi-phase opening of the £200m transformational urban development project over the next six months, and marks the first major milestone as TK Maxx, Next and Sports Direct open their doors to shoppers for the first time.

Attendees at the unveiling included Mayor Cllr Caroline Makinson, Mayor of the Combined Authority Dan Jarvis and Deputy Leader Cllr Jim Andrews, alongside key people who have been involved in creating the new vibrant heart of Barnsley Town Centre, which provides a diverse retail and leisure experience, whilst preserving the town’s traditions and history.

Senior members of the Henry Boot Construction site team attended the ribbon cutting, including Tony Shaw, Ryan O’Loughlin and Mat Clarke. Ryan said: “It was a pleasure to join in the celebrations and to witness the unveiling of the The Glass Works Square. It was a great event with the local community turning out to see their new public area for the first time.”

Mike Richardson, IBI Group’s Project Director, was also in attendance at the opening and said: “We are thrilled to have played a part in Barnsley Council’s multi award-winning regeneration scheme The Glass Works. IBI Group’s masterplan and public realm strategy, emphasising the value of public buildings and vibrant spaces, has been delivered so positively by a highly committed Council working in tandem with the community. Excellent planning, design and construction throughout the project has created not just a ‘Better Barnsley’ but a resilient Barnsley.”

The celebrations included an official ribbon cutting ceremony and an exciting programme of family activities in and around the square throughout the day, to be followed with further celebrations on Saturday 11th September.

The event marks the start of a range of exciting activities which will continue throughout Autumn, with more stores opening, visitor events and the opening of Superbowl UK. Cineworld’s state-of-the-art screen multiplex will also open early in 2022.