21/11/2025 - Statement in response to comments made by a local business

Barnsley Health on the High Street, is a pioneering health and wellbeing hub for all Barnsley residents. It will deliver a vital public facility for the whole town, hosting a variety of services, including the newly opened Barnsley Hospital Outpatients.  

Since 2023, we’ve been working with partners on the redevelopment plans, while keeping leisure and retail in the centre. We’ve been talking to all our tenants, including independent businesses and national retailers, about how we do this. Some of the space is being re-designed, to make room for the Hub, but no tenants are forced to leave.    

We’re very aware that a redevelopment of this size causes disruptions, especially in an operational shopping centre. Many alternative options have been put forward to The Closet Queen. This includes staying in the existing shop, moving to other shops in the centre, or negotiating a financial settlement to leave, in line with the lease provisions for the tenancy. The council has searched for alternative shops in the wider town centre. The council has also provided support through the centre management team, and advice through Enterprising Barnsley.   

While we're unable to expand further during continuing negotiations, we recognise that The Closet Queen is a fantastic local business, and we hope that they will continue to trade in the borough. 

Linked article: Barnsley’s trailblazing ‘Health on the High Street’ hub welcomes first patients