The Glass Works

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.

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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