We are delighted to announce that Barnsley Council’s flagship new library and community space, Library @ the Lightbox, has won the 2020 South Yorkshire and Humberside Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence award for ‘Best Public Service Building’. Part of The Glass Works, the Lightbox’s win is the latest of ten awards received during the project.

At 3102m² over four storeys, the Library @ the Lightbox offers much more than traditional library services. The facility also offers community-based health, wellbeing and support services, areas for community-led initiatives, and events space centred around an external roof terrace.

We are delighted that our building concept has been so imaginatively interpreted and its use benefits delivered so positively by a highly committed Council working in tandem with the community. Excellent planning, design and construction places a huge responsibility upon all involved but the result for Barnsley Council and its communities is well-deserved.

The award is yet further recognition of what a highly effective development partnership can deliver with local authority planning and regeneration professionals working closely with a leading design and construction team led by Henry Boot Construction.

Mike Richardson, IBI Group’s Project Director

We’re delighted that Library @ the Lightbox has won this prestigious award. The Lightbox is an integral part of our town centre redevelopment, The Glass Works, and has become a real community hub since opening in summer 2019.

The fact the building has been recognised with so many awards is testament to the fantastic partnership working between Barnsley Council, Henry Boot, IBI and our partners.

Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place