Work starts on transformation of the markets

Drilling rigs have appeared in the town centre - the first physical indication that the project, the borough's largest-ever development, is moving ahead.

A specialist drilling company is carrying out a series of site investigations to determine the ground conditions.

The results will be used by the project's architects and structural engineers in finalising the project, which will create more than a million square feet of retail, leisure and residential development plus a large car park for shoppers.

Most of the test bores are taking place on a site between Kendray Street and Harborough Hill Road. Five will take place near Zero-Ice rink at Lambra Road and neighbouring car parks, and four at May Day Green and Kendray Street.

Investigations will be completed by the end of this month, and construction work is hoped to begin in the New Year, subject to final arrangements.

Carol Cooper Smith, director of the Barnsley Development Agency, said there is a real 'buzz' in Barnsley.

"The redevelopment and regeneration of key sites in the town centre are doing great things for the borough and the future is looking bright," she said.

"The new landmark buildings, such as the Interchange, the Digital Media Centre, Westgate Plaza 1 and the Gateway Plaza, are real symbols of the renaissance of Barnsley, showing the world we really are on the move."

The open market is scheduled to move on to town centre streets in February or March next year.

Market managers are keen to stress that, despite the move, it will be "very much business as usual". They are confident shops will benefit from the increased number of customers on the streets.

Carol said: "Once the markets development is completed in 2011, Barnsley will be an even more fantastic destination for town centre businesses, residents, and shoppers."

The Barnsley Markets Project will involve the redevelopment of a huge town centre site which includes the market hall, the Metropolitan Shopping Centre, Barnsley Council office accommodation, a multi-storey car park and empty industrial property.

In its place is planned a state-of-the-art market hall, a new 90,000 sq ft department store, a wider range of shops, leisure facilities, a cinema, a 1,200-space multi-storey car park, homes, enhanced transport links and new public open spaces.

Piers Gough, the architect behind the plans, is confident the new Barnsley market will be "a world beater".