Barnsley College has unveiled the multi-million-pound transformation of an historic former mining college, creating a new centre of innovation and technical education.
The Barnsley College University Centre, on Church Street, has been opened by Barnsley MPs Dan Jarvis and Dr Marie Tidball – who joined College representatives and stakeholders including G F Tomlinson, AECOM, Salix, the Department for Education (DfE), and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT).
The 93-year-old art deco building has been transformed into a modern, technology-rich IoT to retain and enhance the classic architecture inside and out, complemented with the latest innovations in construction and technology. It will house higher level technical qualifications in SYIoT subjects such as engineering, construction and IT/digital.
Barnsley College principal and CEO David Akeroyd said: “The opening of the University Centre is a landmark moment for higher-level education in Barnsley and the wider region.
“This project has been years in the making and represents the hard work, vision and commitment of so many colleagues and partners. Together, we have taken a unique building that once stood as a symbol of Barnsley’s mining and technological excellence and reimagined it for the future, while keeping it where it has always historically been – at the cutting-edge of technical education.
“This is an exciting time for the College and all our partners involved in the South Yorkshire IoT – as we look ahead to a future in which our hard work has led to increased opportunities for retraining and upskilling, more accessible and higher-quality jobs, and a productive workforce who are skilled in the right areas.”
Funding for the project is a combination of DfE regional investment and College capital funds. The College was also successful with a Salix decarbonisation capital bid for sustainability upgrades throughout the building.
The heart of the project, which started in May 2024, is the new atrium, and a combination of learning resource and study zones set over three new mezzanine floors with a new glazed roof above and a modern café and breakout area at ground floor level.
G F Tomlinson has worked as the main contractor for the project. Consultants AECOM has been a key partner to support the College’s Major Projects Team as lead Technical Advisers through the construction phase.
Adrian Grocock, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to deliver this landmark facility for Barnsley College and the wider South Yorkshire IoT.
“This world-class learning environment reflects the very best in heritage refurbishment, sustainability and future-ready education design. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with the client team to deliver a project that meets high technical aspirations while generating lasting benefits for the community.”
