The Glass Works is a £200m town centre development project to create a modern, vibrant town centre with a diverse retail and leisure experience whilst preserving the town’s traditions and heritage, including the historic Barnsley Markets which are one of the oldest in Britain, dating from 1249.
Set over two phases, phase 1 included the transformation of Barnsley Markets, part of the heart of the town centre for centuries, along with the construction of a new Library @ The Lightbox building, new Market Kitchen and Food Hall. Phase 2 consisted of 100,000 sq. ft. of retail and leisure spaces, over 25,000 sq. ft. of cafes and restaurants framing a new landscaped public square, alongside the 13-screen Cineworld, Superbowl UK and multi-storey car park.
The Glass Works: download PDF version (PDF, 2.81 MB)
Achieving exceptional standards
The project was delivered in two phases through two different contracts. Phase 1 was delivered through a Term Partnering Contract whilst Phase 2 was delivered through a JCT Design and Build Contract. All works were completed with zero defects, and the scheme was handed over on time and within the customer’s budget, despite the pandemic.
A collaborative approach
The project shows the positive impact of a collaborative approach when working on a complex project with multiple stakeholders. Our team worked alongside the client team from pre-construction and shared an office throughout the project, encouraging mutual trust, openness, transparency and communication.
-
£400k
invested in local communities
-
280
university visits undertaken
-
382
work experience places provided
-
11
awards won
The positive impact of the development across the town centre is already visible. An investment like this not only stimulates inward investment and economic growth, it creates more and better jobs; our initial estimates suggest that the scheme will generate approximately 1,100 jobs by 2025.
Steve Houghton, Leader of the Council, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
End user feedback
The project received an outstanding response from end users and has increased footfall in the town centre, bucking the national trend. The legacy of our work and huge investment in the community will be felt for many years and has directly benefitted people of all ages and backgrounds, enhancing the quality of life of thousands of local people.
David Barker, Butcher, Barnsley Markets said: "When I look at Barnsley now I really can see a bright future, because at last, the town centre is setting itself alive with new shops, a new beginning and a new vibrancy which is what it needs to bring the younger people and the new generation of shoppers into town.”

Barnsley Markets is a complex scheme and needed a team that was up to the challenge and who could be trusted. Henry Boot have been the embodiment of collaborative working since their appointment, working tirelessly to overcome challenges and to embed themselves in the local community. The project, now complete, is of an amazing quality and has been lauded by all. There is no doubt that this could not have been achieved without the teamwork Henry Boot fostered throughout.
Nick Jones, Director, Turner & Townsend
Involved in this project



You may also be interested in...

Residential
Kangaroo Works
JV partners Angelo Gordon and Ridgeback Group have commissioned the design and build of 365 high-quality apartments.
They will be delivered on a challenging urban brownfield site through a mix of one, two and three-bedroom designs in a standout residential block which brings much-needed housing to Sheffield City Centre.

Urban Development
Cambridge Street Collective and Elshaw House
Creating a hub for the Heart of the City masterplan: A vibrant social destination and low-carbon block

Social Value
Unlocking community spirit across Barnsley with £400,000 charity gifts
As a major partner in The Glass Works scheme to re-develop Barnsley town centre, we have donated nearly £400,000 to good causes over the five-year lifetime of the project. This has allowed charity groups across the region to safeguard and extend their life-changing services.