The Seam Digital Campus to become an innovation district

Plans are underway to turn The Seam Digital Campus into an innovation district in a move to further bolster Barnsley's economy.

Making The Seam an innovation district will bring together entrepreneurs, start-ups, business incubators, large companies, research institutions, and other organisations to stimulate the growth of technology and digital businesses in Barnsley, positioning the town as a forward-thinking hub for creative innovation.

Situated within the UK’s first Investment Zone, phase one of the site opened on Monday 23 March 2026, bringing the Yorkshire Rose sculptures into use and opening up a beautiful new public realm.

The move follows time spent at Upstream, an economic forum hosted by Hammersmith and Fulham Council, who we announced an economic growth partnership with in March 2025.

Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: "We had a fantastic few days at Upstream, which was a great opportunity to connect with investors and colleagues from innovation districts around the world in places like Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Milan, Oslo, Poland and London.

"There was a great interest in our status as the UK's first government-backed Tech Town and our trailblazing work more widely, particularly our plans for the National Centre for Digital Technologies and our ambition to be the UK's leading digital town, of which the Yorkshire Roses are a key part. 

"Now, with phase one of The Seam Digital Campus open and the Roses operational for all to enjoy, we want to take advantage of these opportunities by expanding our economic horizons, continuing our momentum and making The Seam an innovation district to help our local economy flourish.

"Our plans for phase two, which include a high-quality hotel, a National Centre for Digital Technologies and a third Digital Media Centre, will create an exciting space where we can foster economic growth and development.

"It will be a catalyst for growth and help us to deliver on the missions in our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy."