Barnsley College University Centre wins Constructing Excellence award
The landmark restoration of Barnsley College University Centre came out on top at the 2026 Constructing Excellence Yorkshire and Humber Awards, being named Retrofit of the Year.
Our partners CPW were recognised for the scheme in the prestigious awards, held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds. CPW delivered the site’s decarbonisation design and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems.
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 houses higher level technical qualifications in SYIoT subjects such as engineering, construction and IT/digital.
Judges said: “The judges felt that the retrofit of the Barnsley College University Centre ticked all the boxes for this category – revitalising a 93-year-old art deco landmark in a sympathetic and suitable way. A unified team supported the customer to achieve exceptional learning environments and considerable performance improvements to a regional centre for innovation.”
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 G F Tomlinson, AECOM, Salix, the Department for Education (DfE), and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT) – in September 2025.
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: “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.”
CPW Associate Director Kevin Ballantyne said: “It was a fantastic evening and great to see so many outstanding projects being recognised across the North.
“There is so much positive work happening across the industry, particularly when it comes to end‑user wellbeing and sustainability. It’s encouraging to see how the sector is coming together with the push for Net Zero, and refurbishment projects are a key part of that.”
Other partners involved in the project include Race Cottam Architects, Adept, AECOM, Edge Consultants and main contractor G F Tomlinson.
