What we've done so far

A lot of work has already been completed on the Seam, including the development of DMC 02 which opened in 2020.

Creating a digital campus in Barnsley has been in the plans for a number of years. The work being done at the DMC brings together the public and private sectors to stimulate the growth of technology and digital businesses in Barnsley. We've also worked with Barnsley College to bring in the education sector and help address the talent pipeline for businesses in Barnsley, looking to employ people with digital and technical skills.

A digital campus for Barnsley will be a space that allows businesses to work with the public sector and education providers to innovate. We'll provide a culture that encourages people to be trailblazing, with a cluster of skills on-site.

The first phase of the development of the Seam

The first phase of the Seam Digital Campus will include the redevelopment of lower Seam. This includes plans for a beautiful new urban park (4,700sqm), comprising of three separate high quality natural gardens: the biodiversity garden, the digital garden and the town centre link.

Plans also include improved parking facilities for the remaining spaces which will serve visitors to the town centre and the Seam Digital Campus, which is based on County Way. The car park will be improved with well-lit pedestrian walkways, additional trees, better lighting and upgraded CCTV. The car park will provide 292 car park spaces, accessible bays and 10 electric vehicle chargers, with the capacity to expand to 40 chargers over time.

The Yorkshire Roses

The main attraction will be three stunning sculptures known as the Yorkshire Roses. The central sculpture will stand 15m tall and two smaller sculptures will stand 12m tall, high above the newly regenerated area.

These prominent installations in front of the DMC 01 building 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 Barnsley's strong identity while reinforcing its place as a hub for innovation, digital development, opportunity, and community regeneration.

The rose sculptures embody Barnsley's unity and strength in the Yorkshire region and take the form of an organic flower bloom canopy.

The steelwork will feature intricate patterns, symbolising the region's rich history and culture. These patterns will reflect weave threads, referencing Barnsley's textile heritage, coal mining seams, a nod to the town's industrial past, and the veins of white rose petals and stamens. These features will tie the sculptures to the iconic symbol of Yorkshire.

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

Why we're developing the Seam

Transformation of lower Seam will act as a catalyst for further collaboration between artists, digital designers, tech developers, and local businesses. They're helping to position Barnsley as a forward-thinking hub for creative innovation.

Raising the profile of the campus and the Seam will also help to attract investment for future phases of development on upper Seam. It will also provide an opportunity for Barnsley College and local universities to get involved in the creative process.

The next phase

Ambitious plans are in place for the next phase of the Seam. Subject to planning, our phase two work will look to further develop the upper Seam car park, a third digital media centre, a high-end hotel and a national centre for digital technologies. The planning application for the project was submitted in December 2024, and subject to the planning application being approved, we expect work to start on the site in summer 2025.