We've secured £1.8 million funding for Phase 2 of renovation in our historic town centre campus

Barnsley College has secured £1.8 million from the Office for Students’ Capital Fund 2025 to 2026 to support the next phase of redevelopment at its historic Church Street campus, now Barnsley College University Centre.  

The investment will help expand and enhance Higher Education (HE) provision for learners across Barnsley and the wider South Yorkshire region. 

The funding will enable Phase 2 of the College’s long-term estate strategy, transforming the remaining 2,000 square metres of the heritage site into a modern, flexible and fully dedicated HE centre. The upgraded spaces in the University Centre will offer technology enabled classrooms, independent study spaces, collaborative work areas and improved accessibility. Once complete, the building will accommodate up to an additional 1,000 HE learners each year, supporting the growing demand from adults and school leavers for high quality, career focused progression routes. 

The redevelopment will strengthen the College’s capacity to deliver programmes in seven priority sector subject areas that reflect regional and national skills needs. These include clean energy industries within construction, engineering and manufacturing, business and financial services, health and social care, digital and technology, creative industries and early years leadership. The investment aligns with the South Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan, the Mayoral Combined Authority Strategic Economic Plan and the national priorities set by Skills England. 

In line with the Office for Students’ aims for quality, capacity and choice, the project will expand delivery of higher technical qualifications, degree apprenticeships and flexible learning. By 2026 to 2027, the College expects around 80 per cent of its HE learners to be studying in priority technical and professional sectors. 

Rather than pursuing new build construction, the College has chosen a sustainability focused approach that preserves the heritage of the site and reduces carbon impact. Planned improvements include high efficiency mechanical and electrical systems, LED lighting with daylight sensors, smart controls and targeted insulation upgrades that respect the building’s historic fabric. 

This investment marks a significant step forward in strengthening Barnsley’s HE infrastructure and supporting the skills needed for the region’s future growth. 

Barnsley College Principal and Chief Executive Officer David Akeroyd said: “This investment marks a significant step forward for higher education in Barnsley. It strengthens our commitment to expanding opportunities for local people to gain the skills they need for rewarding and future focused careers. 

“The redevelopment of the Church Street site is about creating a modern, inspiring environment that matches the quality and ambition of our higher education offer. This next phase will increase our capacity, widen access and support growth in priority sectors that are vital to South Yorkshire’s economy. 

“We are proud to preserve and modernise this important heritage building. By choosing sustainable refurbishment, we are protecting its character while equipping it for the needs of today’s learners, employers and our community.”