Barnsley Council is proud to unveil the first phase of redevelopment for the Seam Digital Campus, including transformative plans for a striking new landmark: the three Yorkshire Roses.
The redevelopment of the lower Seam, off County Way, which is being delivered using Future High Streets and council funding, includes plans for a beautiful new urban park (4,700sqm), comprising 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 that will serve visitors to the town centre and the Seam Digital Campus based on County Way.
The main attraction of the first phase of works will be three stunning sculptures, known as the Yorkshire Roses, with the central sculpture standing at 15m tall and two smaller 12m sculptures standing high above the newly regenerated area.
These prominent installations in front of the DMC01 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 and digital development. This development will attract new business and provide world-class opportunities, add to our cultural offer, help us to increase visitor footfall and support town centre businesses and the evening and night-time economy.
The sculptures will greet visitors arriving by train or car and provide a prominent marker visible from the town centre. They reflect Barnsley’s ambition to become a destination for technological innovation and creative excellence while welcoming future investment. At night, they will be illuminated in a way that highlights their intricate designs, making them a captivating visual feature.
The roses are one of many plans Barnsley has as part of our ambition to become to UK’s leading digital town. Ambitious plans are also being considered for the next phase of the Seam. Subject to planning, our phase two work will look to further develop the Upper Seam car park, develop a third Digital Media Centre (DMC), include a high-end hotel and create a National Centre for Digital Technologies.
The transformation of lower Seam will act as a catalyst for further collaboration between artists, digital designers, tech developers, and local businesses, helping to position Barnsley as a forward-thinking hub for creative innovation. Raising the profile of The Seam will also help to attract investment for future phases of development on the upper Seam. It will also provide an opportunity for Barnsley College and local universities to get involved in the creative process.
An application for planning permission has been submitted for the sculptures, alongside an application for the wider redevelopment of the Seam, with work anticipated to begin in Summer 2025. A report will be submitted to Cabinet in March 2025 to approve a combination of grant and council funding for the sculptures.
You can attend an information drop-in event in the Digital Media Centre in January, where staff from the council and constructors Wilmott Dixon will showcase the plans and answer any questions residents may have.
Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “We’re fiercely proud, ambitious, and bold in Barnsley, and the Yorkshire Rose sculptures symbolise our town’s resilience and optimism for a bright future.
“They’re not just a landmark; they’re a celebration of our proud heritage and bold ambitions, reflecting Barnsley’s strength and unity while marking its future as a centre of opportunity and creativity.
“The next phase of The Seam Digital Campus reaffirms our commitment to making it the heart of our future economy. With new Digital Media Centres and public spaces, we’ll support digital sectors to enhance development opportunities in the town centre and bring in further investment and high-value jobs to Barnsley.
“As part of our ‘Great Childhoods Ambition’, we want our young people to be at the heart of everything we do. By prioritising them and creating a centre of digital excellence, along with existing projects like the Seam, Youth Zone, Northern Academy for Vocal Excellence (NAVE), and Youth Activity Park, we’re providing a great foundation where young people can thrive, grow, and prepare for future employment opportunities.
“By connecting young people with good education and career pathways, we can nurture the next generation of leaders and innovators, planting the seeds for a brighter future.”
Edward Naylor, Chair of Barnsley Town Board and CEO of Naylor Industries: “This new phase of The Seam is more than just a step forward - it’s a statement.
“The redevelopment of the Seam will provide urban greenspace with high-quality public realm. The stunning sculptures will add a new dimension to our town centre, helping to bring more visitors to the borough- and help cement Barnsley’s position as a home for digital innovation.
“By reshaping the arrival experience, The Seam positions Barnsley as an attractive destination for residents, visitors, and investors.”
Chris Yates, Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We are excited to be working in partnership with Barnsley Council to play our part in delivering a cutting-edge environment to bring the brightest tech businesses into South Yorkshire.
“We are focused on ensuring the construction of this transformational space leaves a lasting legacy for the people of Barnsley. We’re committed to delivering four new employment opportunities on the project, 80 apprentice weeks and running a bespoke Building Lives Academy skills programme for local long-term unemployed people.”
Upcoming drop-in sessions:
We'll be holding some drop-in sessions to find out more about these plans:
- Wednesday 15 January, Library @ the Lightbox, 2-7pm.
- Friday 17 January, Digital Media Centre, 10-1pm.
