Barnsley College unveils £16m University Centre

Barnsley College has unveiled a multi-million pound transformation of a former mining college.

Construction of the University Centre, formerly the Barnsley Mining and Technical College, began in May 2024 with the 93-year-old art deco building now transformed to be part of the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT).

It will offer higher level technical qualifications, professional training, degree level study and higher apprenticeships in subjects such as engineering, construction and information technology.

The facility, on Church Street in Barnsley town centre, was opened by local MPs Dan Jarvis and Dr Marie Tidball on Thursday.

SYIoT is a partnership of employers and education providers aiming to bring world-class technical education and training to the region.

The three-storey building was originally designed by Briggs and Thornley, who were the architects of the adjacent Town Hall and also designed Stormont in Northern Ireland.

David Akeroyd, college principal and chief executive officer, 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."

The redevelopment features a new atrium and a combination of learning resource and study zones set over three mezzanine floors.

Speaking while cutting the ribbon to open the building, 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."

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