Next to go in the town centre.

Any idea what the shop is that's opening in unit SU18 on the leasing map? Can't quite make out the logo.

 

Barnsley town centre is a dessert if you like real ale boozers.
Nearest we have is No 7 - but although the beer is great - the boozer isn’t.
It’s like supping in a long dowdy corridor.

 

That’s “Muffin Break” and was announced quite early on. The push to get well-known retailers in will have probably started now that it’s clear the project will be completed. Given the previous failures to regenerate there would’ve been some apprehension. I wouldn’t be shocked to hear H&M, River Island and a few others at some point. Unsure who is exchanging on MSU6 but that’s a massive unit and I wouldn’t be surprised if someone like Primark took that and we may see others (TK Maxx?) relocate from the Alhambra. It’s good to see they’ve filled all but one of the units on Cheapside (I think they were hoping Krispy Kreme would take the smallest but no news on whether that’s going to happen). If you look at some of the units currently under offer and then look at the lettings at Friars Walk in Newport, the unit size should give a few clues as to who might take them. There’ll also be quite large incentives to get retailers into those new units so it’s not unusual to see existing retailers relocate and end up with a bigger, more modern unit for less. It’s also no surprise to still see quite a few of the restaurants available given how many chains are struggling - I’m not sure a town this size needed 9 anyway. One near to the Cinema entrance is under offer and I’d be shocked if it isn’t a well-known chain. I also wouldn’t be surprised if one or two end up as fast food outlets if they can’t be filled with “family friendly” restaurants.

 

The retailers first showed an interest when they were stripping the old met centre a few year ago. If you look at the plans it gives you a bit of a clue, DJ sports, coffee shop on the corner etc.. the made up shops aren't wide of the mark.

 

You’ve never mentioned this before.

 

Do you happen to know if WHSmiths is likely to return?

 

And Martin Raymond’s.
I have a faulty pair of school shoes that I have been waiting 34 years to exchange.

would also like to see the return of Thoms, Wigfalls, Woolworths and a Grandways supermarket.
...and Walkabout for good measure.

 

I’m hoping Leo’s returns

 

I thought the thread was about buildings? Not the quality of the retail experience or that of pubs. My experience is that the people of Barnsley have little regard for their historic environment and that view is well reflected in the Council. It’s been like that for a long long time.
When a new building goes up it might be useful to ask the question, how do we think this will fare in 25 years time. That might have stopped some of the monstrosities that have been built.
And on the subject of new builds, good contemporary architecture is nothing but good. However, the quality of the design and the quality of materials could be given rather more consideration.
Rant over.

 

Spot on. I like my railways and it's a travesty what's happened to the railway stations in the area.

 

and Raynors pies!!!!