Town centre plan for £1.5m jobs and skills hub

A local authority is set to spend £1.5m to bring its employment and skills service into the town centre.

The Barnsley Council investment would pay for the refurbishing of level six of Gateway Plaza on Sackville Street to create a single public access point and teaching space for employment support and adult learning services.

The move would allow the council to save money by relocating the service from Wellington House, a privately owned building where it currently pays rent.

The proposal has been recommended for approval at a meeting of the council cabinet on March 4.

Council officers said the relocation formed part of a wider effort to reduce reliance on leased buildings and make better use of property already owned by the authority, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The employment and skills service supports residents to find work, improve skills and overcome barriers such as poor health or caring responsibilities, bringing together adult learning, employability support and careers advice under one "front door".

According to a council report seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the move would save around £440,000 a year in rent.

Work on the refurbishment would be expected to take place during summer 2026, to fit around the academic year and avoid disruption to learners.

The proposals form part of wider changes to the council's property portfolio aimed at reducing costs and improve how services are delivered

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