The final rose installed on the Seam Digitial Campus

The Seam Digital Campus has moved another step closer to completion following the installation of the newly named Yorkshire Rose sculptures. 

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, which will stand 15m tall, has been named the 'Mater' (Mother) Rose, while the two additional 12m sculptures have been named the 'Pruna' (Coal) Rose and 'Vitrum' (Glass) Rose, reflecting the industrial heritage of the borough. 

To mark the occasion, we welcomed Chief Executive Graham Dundas and Chief Operating Officer Stewart Brundell from construction company Willmott Dixon and Mark Robinson, Chief Executive of SCAPE, a public sector organisation dedicated to creating efficiency and social value via the built environment, who were given a tour of the site along with senior council staff. 

Originally designed by artist Tim Ward of Circling the Square, the sculptures are situated in front of the DMC01 to 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, as outlined in our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy. 

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. 

With the Yorkshire Roses now in place, work on the public realm will now begin, creating a high-quality and inviting space which will complement the sculptures as the focal point of the site and somewhere for all visitors to enjoy. 

Work on the improved parking facilities is already well underway and will add well-lit pedestrian walkways, more trees, better lighting, and upgraded CCTV. The lower Seam 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, once reopened. 

Phase one work is scheduled to be completed in spring 2026 while phase two work, which remains subject to planning, will look to develop the upper Seam car park, add a third Digital Media Centre, a high-end hotel and a National Centre for Digital Technologies. 

Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: "We're making excellent progress on The Seam Digital Campus, and our vision is really starting to come together with the sculptures in place and the improved car park taking shape too. 

"While the site is being built for the future as we look to make Barnsley the UK's leading digital town, the names of the two 12m Yorkshire Rose sculptures provide a nod to our industrial past, which it's crucial that we never forget. 

"It's fantastic to see the sculptures in place now as we really ramp up the excitement for this project. Their incredible light and sound capabilities will make them a dynamic addition to an already-thriving town centre, providing a new and unique visitor attraction which can be embedded into our excellent events programme. 

“We can’t wait for the opening of phase one, which we hope will be a catalyst for further growth and innovation in our local and regional economy by making The Seam a hub for tech and digital businesses. 

“This will create more and better jobs and help us to build a lifelong digital pathway to ensure our residents are ready to thrive in the modern world.” 

Graham Dundas, Chief Executive of Willmott Dixon, added: “It was a pleasure to see the Yorkshire Roses standing tall this week. These aren't just sculptures – they're a bold statement of intent that captures Barnsley's ambition to lead Britain's digital future. 

“We're immensely proud to partner with Barnsley Council on The Seam Digital Campus, a project that exemplifies our commitment to delivering brilliant buildings that transform lives and strengthen communities. 

“The integration of art, technology and public realm demonstrates exactly the kind of innovative thinking that will position Barnsley as the destination of choice for the next generation of tech and creative businesses.” 

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.  

Wilmot Dixon and SCAPE also got the opportunity to look around the Town Centre's ambitious plans for Health on the High Street. This will become the largest relocation of hospital outpatient services and bring more accessible and convenient health and wellbeing services to thousands of residents.

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