Economy
When the Borough Council was formed in 1974, the region still had a large scale deep coal mining industry. Rationalisation and amalgamation of pits in the 1970’s and early 1980’s led to a gradual loss of pits and of associated employment. In the latter part of the 1980’s and the early 1990’s the pit closures accelerated. By 1994 there were no operational pits remaining in the Borough.
The effects of this rapid pit closure programme were not only felt in terms of social dislocation and the loss of employment to a local economy which was very heavily reliant on this sector, but the environmental legacy was equally severe in it’s own right. Barnsley was for a number of years blighted by a very high incidence of dereliction most of which comprised disused colliery spoil tips, pit yards and the railway infrastructure which served the collieries. This high level of dereliction was a major issue for the Borough not only because the environmental degradation had a serious effect on the quality of life for Barnsley residents, but also it was a major disincentive to inward investment at a time when the local economy desperately needed to diversify and attract new businesses.
Today, Barnsley is developing a thriving economy. With easy road access to the M1, M18, M62 and A1 plus nearby airports, seaports and rail terminals it is a prime location for businesses to set up. Wakefield Europort is within 30 minutes drive of Barnsley, allowing international rail services via the Channel Tunnel.
New industries and businesses are being attracted to Barnsley by the available cost-effective sites and premises which enable forward thinking companies to expand both now and in the future. Competitive rental and purchase rates and the committed, skilled workforce in Barnsley and the surrounding area are also key incentives.
Housing is very affordable, although property prices are beginning to rise. There is a wide range of house styles to choose from, with ambitious housing developments planned for the area.
In addition, Barnsley offers the highest levels of grant funding available in the UK. Combine this with an excellent quality of life and you can see that Barnsley has a great deal to offer.
Leeds and Sheffield City Regions
Situated between Sheffield & Leeds, Barnsley plays into & draws on the economies of both these conurbations & so is an important part of both the Sheffield & Leeds City Regions. The City Regions are important bodies which will support the Borough's ambitions for economic growth, including tackling worklessness; improving transport infrastructure & housing. As a result, Barnsley MBC is strongly engaged in the Boards of both City Regions.
Digital Region
Barnsley is part of a South Yorkshire wide project which will install next generation broadband technology. This has the potential to deliver huige transformational benefits to the sub regional economy, including through attracting new businesses, particularly in sectors requiring advanced infrastructure.
For more information on Barnsley’s economy, please visit:
