Approval for a massive development near Barnsley could create thousands of jobs for the town, developers say.
The Barnsley West scheme, a 122-hectare site off Higham Common Road and close to Junction 37 of the M1, has been given planning approval by Barnsley Council. The scheme will create more than 1,700 homes, 1.2m sq ft of employment space, a link road, a primary school, shops and community facilities.
Leeds-based Sterling Capitol are developing Barnsley West in conjunction with Strata Homes. Sterling founder and chairman Sir Bob Murray, former chairman of Sunderland football club, said the scheme could be ‘game changing’ for the area.
He said: “The decision to give the go-ahead to Barnsley West is welcomed news. In the challenging economic times, this development will provide much-needed jobs and investment and will be a massive game changer for the town and the surrounding area. It’s a defining moment – the key to future prosperity.
“On a personal note, this means so much to me. I have a real affinity for the site, which lies on top of an open-cast coal mine. My father was a miner, and I built the Stadium of Light, the home of Sunderland AFC, on top of Monkwearmouth Colliery. It’s so important to breathe new life into sites which such illustrious histories.
“At Sterling, we have worked so hard on this development for over 10 years. We know Barnsley well, having always believed in its potential and having a distinguished track record there.”
Strata will focus on building the homes and the school, while Sterling will concentrate on creating employment space. It is aiming to make Barnsley West a centre for advanced manufacturing, distribution and logistics hub.
Spawforths, Pegasus, JPG, RPP, Gillespies and Wardell Armstrong have also been involved in the scheme.
