Council unveils plans for 'striking new landmark'

A council has unveiled plans to create a "striking new landmark" in its town centre.

Barnsley Council said the three Yorkshire Roses would form part of the first phase of the Seam Digital Campus redevelopment.

The redevelopment will also include a new one acre (4.7sq km) urban park made of three separate gardens.

"We're fiercely proud, ambitious, and bold in Barnsley, and the Yorkshire Rose sculptures symbolise our town's resilience and optimism for a bright future," said Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton.

Houghton said the roses, which would be located in front of the DMC01 building, would be "a celebration of our proud heritage and bold ambitions, reflecting Barnsley's strength and unity while marking its future as a centre of opportunity and creativity".

Designed to be seen from afar, the council said the central sculpture would be 49ft tall (15m). The other two would be 39ft (12m) in height, with the roses illuminated by night.

Work on them is expected to begin in summer if planning permission is granted.

The council said a report would be submitted to Cabinet in March to approve a combination of grant and council funding for the sculptures.

According to the local authority, the roses "are one of many plans Barnsley has as part of our ambition to become to UK's leading digital town".

"This development will attract new business and provide world-class opportunities, add to our cultural offer, help us to increase visitor footfall and support town centre businesses and the evening and night-time economy."

Phase two of the redevelopment will include a "high-end" hotel and a "National Centre for Digital Technologies", subject to planning permission.

"The next phase of The Seam Digital Campus reaffirms our commitment to making it the heart of our future economy," said Houghton.

"With new Digital Media Centres and public spaces, we'll support digital sectors to enhance development opportunities in the town centre and bring in further investment and high-value jobs to Barnsley."

The plans, which have been submitted to the council's planning committee for approval, also include "improved parking facilities" for visitors to the town centre and the Seam Digital Campus based on County Way.

Drop-in sessions will be held in January for people to find out more about the plans.

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