Cabinet to discuss emerging plans for phase two of The Seam Digital Campus

On Wednesday 4 March, Cabinet will be asked to note the progress made on the development masterplan of phase two of The Seam Digital Campus and allow the council to procure and appoint a Development Management Organisation (DMO) to drive the project forward.

The emerging plans for phase two include a high-quality hotel, the National Centre for Digital Technologies (NCDT) to build on the momentum of Barnsley's new status as the UK's first government-backed Tech Town, and a Campus Square, creating a vibrant and dynamic environment in the heart of Barnsley.

The appointed DMO will support on design development and a business case for the hotel, while also exploring options for the NCDT and Campus Square. All plans remain subject to future planning, Cabinet approval and attracting external funding.

Phase one of The Seam Digital Campus, including the three Yorkshire Rose sculptures, three new natural gardens and high-quality public realm, will open on Monday 23 March, with the refurbished lower Seam car park open and operational from Tuesday 24 March.

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said:

The Seam Digital Campus is a crucial site for our long-term economic future and ambitions for Barnsley, and we can't wait to open phase one next month. But if we stand still, our local economy will stand still, so we're not stopping there.

"We know that there is a growing demand for a high-quality hotel thanks to our growing economy, fantastic town centre events programmes and our amazing cultural assets.

"If we can take advantage of this significant opportunity, we will fill a clear gap in the market, enhance our commercial offer and support local businesses by creating more good jobs and keeping visitors in Barnsley, allowing them to enjoy the many cultural and leisure opportunities in our town centre.

"The National Centre for Digital Technologies, meanwhile, is a key aspect of the Tech Town programme and will be central to us delivering on our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy and central ambition of becoming the UK's leading digital town and attracting high-value businesses and entrepreneurs to the borough.

"Appointing a Development Management Organisation will help us to understand the opportunities and constraints of our current plans for The Seam and provide us with more options moving forward to present to Cabinet.

Find out more about The Seam Digital Campus at https://theseam.digital/.