Next phase of Barnsley's trailblazing Health on the High Street initiative unveiled

Work is underway on the UK’s largest relocation of hospital outpatient services as part of Barnsley’s revolutionary Health on the High Street programme, which will bring more accessible and convenient health and wellbeing services to thousands of residents.

We’re working with our partners on transforming the first floor of the Alhambra Shopping Centre into a health and wellbeing hub, which will see its first outpatient appointments transfer to Barnsley Hospital’s new satellite centre in the heart of town by this autumn. 

It’s the next phase in Barnsley’s town centre regeneration which is already creating an example for other areas to follow up and down the country.  It’s been enabled by more than £60m of funding from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).  

Works inside the former Wilko store on the upper floor of the centre are progressing well in readiness for the Hospital’s eye specialists from Ophthalmology Services, who are due to be the first to move into the new health and wellbeing hub.

Other Hospital outpatient services are due to move in before the end of the year as part of a phased opening of the modern, innovative hub, which will include services from a range of our health and wellbeing partners and is due to be fully operational in 2028. 

Our Health on the High Street initiative is revolutionising how residents can access health and wellbeing services in Barnsley. It started three years ago this month with the opening of the NHS Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in The Glass Works, which has already made huge strides in improving healthcare access and patient satisfaction.  

The works at the Alhambra mark the start of the next phase of Health on the High Street in Barnsley, building on the successes we’ve already seen with the CDC.  

Phase One  

The CDC has been instrumental in reducing waiting times, increasing attendance rates for appointments and improving patient satisfaction, welcoming approximately 220,000 appointments to date for services like blood tests, ultrasounds and X-rays.  

Since its opening in April 2022, the CDC has seen a 22% increase in mammogram attendance and a 24% reduction in Do Not Attends (DNAs).

The facility has also contributed to early prevention and integration of care while boosting footfall in the town centre by an additional 55,000 visits. 

Phase Two  

We’re working with Barnsley Hospital, Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL), the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SWYPFT) and SYMCA to bring health and wellbeing services together in the hub. It's estimated more than 100,000 visits a year could be made to the Alhambra instead of Barnsley Hospital. This will free up space and alleviate parking issues at the Hospital. BPL's offer is expected to attract a further 150,000 visitors a year.  

The new health and wellbeing hub will host a range of services, including some Barnsley Hospital outpatient services, a gym and wellbeing centre provided by BPL and mental health services through SWYPFT.   

It will also provide spaces for people to access and discuss the support they need, integrating wraparound care and compatible services to address the wider issues that can impact people’s health and wellbeing.   

Impacts and benefits  

Our collaborative health and wellbeing hub aims to reduce pressure on existing healthcare facilities, improve access and quality of care and attract even more visitors to Barnsley town centre, boosting the local economy. 

By attracting an additional 150,000 footfall per annum, the hub is expected to generate at least £1.5 million in additional visitor spend.

Furthermore, it will challenge the 'hospital first' culture by encouraging residents to access non-emergency services in a different location, thereby reducing dependency on acute settings. 

Creating a Healthy Barnsley is a key ambition for Barnsley and our partners. It’s our aim that: 

• everyone can enjoy life in good physical and mental health 
• fewer people live in poverty, and everyone has the resources they need to look after themselves and their families 
• people can access the right support at the right time and place and are able to tackle problems early 
• our diverse places are welcoming, supportive and adaptable. 

The initial investment for the hub will be underwritten using SYMCA Gainshare funding, complemented by partner investment and additional funds from other sources, including our Future High Street Fund allocation. We’re also seeking to secure other funding from Government departments to help deliver this innovative project. 

Barnsley Council bought the Alhambra Shopping Centre in 2023 for £4.5 million with the support of SYMCA. It was originally opened in 1991.  

Health on the High Street is one of a number of high-profile projects and investments we’re delivering to continue Barnsley's growth which are attracting national and international recognition. These projects all form part of our vision for Barnsley as the Place of Possibilities and will help secure a bright future for our borough and for our young people especially. 

See also:  

• Great Childhoods Ambition
• Barnsley Futures
• Pathways to Work Commission
• Love Where You Live
• The Seam Digital Campus
• Principal Towns 

Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “Health on the High Street is a trailblazing project, bringing even more of Barnsley’s brilliant health and wellbeing services into the heart of our town centre.  

“It’s building on the fantastic success story of Barnsley Hospital’s Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in The Glass Works, which has seen huge improvements in the number of patients accessing vital, potentially life-saving appointments over the last three years.  

“The feedback from patients has been fantastic. People understandably prefer coming into town to have their scan, where they can go on to enjoy a coffee and a bit of shopping in our fantastic town centre, over having to attend a traditional hospital setting.  

“Expanding the range of health and wellbeing services in the heart of our town centre, alongside the CDC, is going to deliver even more efficient and effective services, hugely enhancing people’s experiences and ultimately improving the lives of residents. 

“I’m excited to see the first Barnsley Hospital services moving into the space later this year, making it easier for you to get vital health checks and scans, and can’t wait for the space to continue growing its offer over the next few years.” 

Dr Richard Jenkins, Chief Executive of Barnsley Hospital, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to take this exciting opportunity to the next stage of development. 

“We’ve been listening to what our patients, their families and our colleagues tell us and it’s clear that there is a real appetite for bringing more health services to a town centre location which is easy, convenient, modern and linked with other services and facilities. 

“This means we can build on the success of the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), which has been incredibly well received by the people of Barnsley.”  

Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “I'm determined to give everyone the chance to live happier, healthier lives, right across South Yorkshire, and we're investing in that plan, building on the momentum and success we've seen right across the region.  

“Phase one of the Health on the High Street project has already been a huge success - improving waiting times and patient outcomes through the Community Diagnostic Centre. Phase two, that I'm proud to be supporting with over £60m of funding from the Mayoral Combined Authority, will improve and extend that impact, making a very real difference for the people of Barnsley and South Yorkshire.”