Work starts on Barnsley Institute of Technology

East Midlands-based G F Tomlinson has started work to transform Barnsley College University Centre into a world-class innovation hub for the region.

On behalf of the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT), the 92-year-old art-deco building will undergo a refurbishment funded jointly by the Department for Education (DfE) regional investment and College capital funds.

Formerly a Mining and Technical College, originally built in 1932, the facility will become a sought-after option for higher level technical education in South Yorkshire, complete with modern and upgraded sustainable technologies throughout to provide a future-focused learning environment.

Construction work has started this month to transform the interior of the building, which will comprise a brand-new atrium, three new mezzanine floors with study resource zones, a modern café and breakout area at the ground floor level, and new glazed roof lights.

Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson said: “This state-of-the-art facility will provide students at Barnsley College with a first-class, modern learning environment, while breathing new life into a well-known historical building in the heart of the town.

Works are planned for completion by summer 2025 and once fully refurbished, the building will provide capacity for over 1,000 staff and students.