Installation of Yorkshire Rose sculptures to begin on The Seam Digital Campus next week

Barnsley's vision for The Seam Digital Campus will take another step forward in the coming weeks as the Yorkshire Rose sculptures will arrive and be installed on site. 

The three structures are the headline of phase one works, which include the redevelopment of the lower Seam and will add a beautiful new urban park with three separate high-quality natural gardens. 

The central sculpture will stand 15m tall, with two additional 12m sculptures high above the newly regenerated area.  

Originally designed by artist Tim Ward of Circling the Square, these prominent installations in front of the DMC01 will serve as both a visual gateway and a powerful symbol of Barnsley's pride, ambition, and investment in its future. Designed to be seen from afar, the sculptures celebrate our town's strong identity while reinforcing its place as a hub for innovation, digital development, opportunity, and community regeneration.  

They embody Barnsley's unity and strength in Yorkshire and take the form of an organic flower bloom canopy. They reflect our town’s ambition to become a destination for technological innovation and creative excellence while welcoming future investment. 

The sculptures will be programmed to incorporate lighting displays and music, creating an immersive experience for visitors during programmed town centre events, including the annual Bright Nights event. This combination of light and sound will transform the sculptures into a vibrant spectacle that enhances the town's evening atmosphere. 

At night, they will be illuminated in a way that highlights their intricate designs, making them a captivating visual feature.  

Parking facilities will also be improved with the addition of well-lit pedestrian walkways, more trees, better lighting, and upgraded CCTV. The car park will provide 292 car park spaces, accessible bays and 12 electric vehicle chargers, with the capacity to expand to 40 chargers over time.  

The sculptures will arrive from the week commencing Monday 15 September with the installation process expected to take around three weeks. Phase one work is scheduled to be completed in spring 2026. 

Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: "The arrival of the Yorkshire Rose sculptures is a key milestone in the redevelopment of The Seam Digital Campus. 

"I was blown away after seeing one of the sculptures in person at the test build visit to fabricators Stage One during the summer. Having them all in position will help to bring our vision for the site to life and build anticipation within our communities for this exciting project. 

"They will complement the high-quality public realm, create a public space where people want to spend time and be a real asset to our town. The light and sound capabilities will add another dimension and make them an experience for all visitors to enjoy, particularly during our events programme – it’s going to be amazing! 

"We can't wait to see phase one complete next spring, but that won't be the end of our ambition for the campus. 

"Subject to planning, phase two work will develop the upper Seam car park, add a third Digital Media Centre, include a high-end hotel and create a National Centre for Digital Technologies. 

"We want this site, which is at the heart of the mission in our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy to become the UK's leading digital town, to be a catalyst for further growth and innovation in our local and regional economy by becoming a hub for tech and digital businesses. 

"Achieving this will help create more and better jobs, build a lifelong digital pathway for residents to benefit from and drive inward investment." 

Chris Yates, Yorkshire Director at contractors Willmott Dixon, added: "We’re excited to reach this significant milestone at The Seam and can't wait to see the Yorkshire Rose sculptures in place. 

“Alongside our valued supply chain partners, our team have made great progress so far and we're looking forward to continuing to support Barnsley Council in showcasing the town's ambitious plans and identity." 

Most of the funding for phase one of The Seam Digital Campus has come from the government's Future High Streets Fund, a distinct initiative with strict criteria as to what the money can be spent on. This includes proposals that demonstrate a clear vision for the future of high streets and town centres and demonstrate an ability to attract private sector investment. 

The funding is being used to support improvements to council services, such as the improved car park and road works. However, this must be part of a larger regeneration project like The Seam. 

Find out more about The Seam Digital Campus at barnsley.gov.uk/SeamDigitalCampus.