Unveiling our £16m transformation of historic former mining college into world-class University Centre

Barnsley College has unveiled the multi-million-pound transformation of a historic former mining college, creating an exceptional new centre of innovation and technical education for South Yorkshire.

The Barnsley College University Centre, on Church Street in Barnsley town centre, was opened by Barnsley MPs Dan Jarvis and Dr Marie Tidball – who joined College representatives and stakeholders including GF Tomlinson, AECOM, Salix, the Department for Education (DfE), and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT) – on Thursday 25 September.

The 93-year-old art deco building – formerly Barnsley Mining and Technical College – has been sensitively 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.

In 1932, the building cost a total of £110,012 to build and furnish – roughly £6.7m today, according to the Bank of England’s inflation calculator. It has had various uses but has maintained an educational focus throughout its lifespan.

Barnsley College Principal and Chief Executive Officer 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.”

Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley North, said: “Today isn’t just about opening a building. It’s about opening doors.

“Doors to opportunity, aspiration, and achievement for people across Barnsley and South Yorkshire. Doors to the future. That’s what this building represents. And that’s why I’m so excited by it. 

“Barnsley has a long and proud history, rooted in industry, innovation, and a strong sense of community.

“The courses taught here have been specially designed to give students the skills needed to succeed in the jobs of the future.

“They’ve been developed in close partnership with employers to make sure that students graduate with both the technical training and academic knowledge needed to succeed in cutting-edge fields like esports and digital media.

“We should all be very proud of the fact that these courses are being taught right here in Barnsley.”

Dr Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, added: “This College has been the spark for people’s careers throughout the last few decades.

“I’m so proud that we are leading the way here in Barnsley, backing young homegrown talent, and giving them more opportunities to earn, learn and get on in life.

“This will be a fantastic site, I have no doubt – seeing all the energy that’s been put into creating this space and creating the work that will take place here – that it will continue our rich heritage around skills, technical knowledge and education, and ensure that all our local young people and adults can go on to fulfil their potential and unlock our potential in South Yorkshire.”

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 – making it one of its most sustainable campuses. These extensive sustainability measures will ensure the building is developed in line with Barnsley Council’s decarbonisation plans for Zero 45.

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.

GF Tomlinson have worked as the main contractor for the project. Consultants AECOM have 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 GF 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.”