Adult learners to be welcomed to new home at Gateway Plaza next week

Barnsley Council's Adult Skills and Community Learning (ASCL) service will officially move from Wellington House to its new home at Gateway Plaza on Monday 14 September 2026, providing learners with a modern and accessible learning environment in the heart of Barnsley town centre.

The move marks an exciting new chapter for adult learning in Barnsley. Residents and learners will benefit from improved facilities, dedicated reception and waiting areas, modern teaching spaces and a welcoming environment designed to support learning, skills development and progression into employment.

Gateway Plaza will become the new home for all of Barnsley Council’s employment and skills service which includes ASCL, Pathways to Work and the Targeted Information, Advice and Guidance service for young people. They will continue delivering joined-up support from a shared location, relocating together from Wellington House to a modern new base at Gateway Plaza.

Located on Sackville Street, Gateway Plaza is easily accessible by public transport and is around a 10-minute walk from Barnsley Interchange. The building also benefits from on-site parking, including Blue Badge spaces, helping to make learning more accessible for people across the borough.

Councillor Rocky Laybourn, Cabinet Support Member Regeneration and Assets, said: "This is a fantastic step forward for adult learning in Barnsley. Gateway Plaza provides a bright, modern and welcoming environment that will help learners feel inspired and supported as they develop new skills and achieve their goals.

"The move allows our employment and skills service to continue offering joined-up support from a high-quality town centre location. By bringing these services to Gateway Plaza together, we're making it easier for residents to access the advice, guidance and learning opportunities they need to achieve their ambitions.

"This investment decision is based on our asset management strategy, ensuring the best use of our estate by filling vacant office space with high-quality council services, reducing leasing costs, and increasing footfall at Gateway Plaza. This will help support excellent local businesses such as NailMaker, Tin Oyle, Elysian and One Stop.

"We're proud to invest in facilities that help our communities thrive, and I look forward to seeing learners make the most of everything this new space has to offer."

Adult Skills and Community Learning offers a wide range of courses designed to help residents build confidence, gain qualifications, develop new skills and progress into employment, further education or volunteering opportunities.

Current and prospective learners will receive information about their classes before the start of the autumn term.

For more information about the move to Gateway Plaza, including directions, facilities and frequently asked questions, visit our web page about learning at Gateway Plaza.