30 November, 2021 - Arcadis is supporting Barnsley Council with the expansion of The Seam, Barnsley’s Digital Campus, after the council secured £15.6 million from the government’s Future High Streets fund.
Arcadis has partnered with architect firm BDP and Property Regeneration Consultants Aspinall Verdi to create a deliverable scheme that will attract future investment from the private sector and support the diversification and growth of the Barnsley economy.
The Seam is at the heart of Barnsley's economic plans, inspiring entrepreneurs, creating talent pathways, growing digital business networks and establishing an innovative place to live, work and create.
The campus launched in October 2020 as the Barnsley Digital Media Centre (DMC 01) expanded into a second building (DMC 02) to provide larger space for businesses to expand into following the ongoing growth of the technology sector locally and regionally. This year the campus has grown further with the launch of the redeveloped SciTech facilities at Barnsley College focusing on digital and technology skills provision.
Funding from the Future High Streets Fund will introduce new low carbon energy efficient development and an active travel hub that will encourage the uptake in active travel and promote reduction in vehicle movement within the campus and wider town.
There will be investment in new infrastructure including a new multi-storey carpark and high-quality public ream that will support the wider community and visitors to the town.
Richard Jones, Senior Technical Director, Arcadis said:
“We’re proud to be working with Barnsley Council to support economic growth in the area, bring benefits to the local community and enable investment and regeneration in the North. This is further demonstration of our successful town centre proposition. We have helped clients re-imagine their town centres, securing over £400m from Central Government and are now supporting the implementation of these projects.
“We look forward to bringing our local knowledge and expertise in delivery to this important scheme.”
Cllr Tim Cheetham, Barnsley Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said:
“Our borough is a place that fosters and grows ambition, enabling everyone to be the best they can be. The success of the DMC in attracting, nurturing and growing digital and creative businesses is an embodiment of this.
“We’re also working closely with partners in The Seam, including Barnsley College, who are investing in the digital skills our businesses need as we rebuild the economy. The college recently refurbished its SciTech Digital Innovation Hub which overlooks The Seam.
“I’m hugely excited about the next stage of developing The Seam as a focal point of Barnsley’s economic growth, attracting more investment, innovation, skills, and employment opportunities for our next generation of business leaders.”
Leanne Brunt, Head of Creative and Digital Industries at Barnsley College, said:
“Digital ways of working are now a part of everyday life, and these new approaches are only going to increase in the future.
“SciTech Digital Innovation Hub is the home of our digital courses, with state-of-the-art facilities for students and staff, and giving us the chance to work with businesses to establish new curricula, to ensure our students are learning the skills they’ll need in the future world of work.
“Being a part of the Digital Campus is important for us, and Barnsley as a whole, as we look to further grow our region’s expertise and become the home of digital industries in the area.”
