Barnsley Glass Works Regeneration: Delivering Mechanical and Electrical Excellence for Community Renewal
- Client:
- Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
- Main contractor:
- Henry Boot Construction
- Date:
- January 2019
- Value:
- £6 Million
The Barnsley Glass Works Regeneration project was a landmark opportunity for us to help reshape Barnsley town centre, turning it into a vibrant destination for community, commerce, and culture. Working alongside Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and Henry Boot Construction, we were proud to deliver the essential Mechanical and Electrical services that made this £6 million redevelopment a reality. Every element of our work was focused on creating spaces that would stand the test of time and enhance the town's social and economic resilience.
At the heart of the regeneration was the extensive refurbishment of the historic Met Centre. Our team was responsible for designing and installing high-performance M&E systems, including energy-efficient lighting, robust power distribution, advanced ventilation, and modern fire and life-safety solutions. We didn’t just focus on technical delivery; we worked to create an environment that traders and visitors would find welcoming, safe, and enjoyable for years to come, carefully balancing functionality with Barnsley’s strong sense of identity.
Preserving the heritage of Barnsley while creating a modern, adaptable marketplace was key to the project’s success. We understood that true community regeneration means more than building new structures, it means building spaces that people feel proud to call their own. By delivering flexible, future-proof M&E solutions, we ensured that the marketplace could evolve alongside the needs of traders and shoppers, supporting local businesses and fostering community vibrancy.
One of the most important challenges we faced was maintaining business continuity during construction. The market is the economic heartbeat of Barnsley, and we knew that allowing traders to continue operating was non-negotiable. We played a vital role in the successful delivery of two temporary markets, installing essential M&E services that kept traders open for business throughout the refurbishment. Supporting livelihoods in this way was a responsibility we took seriously and one we’re proud to have delivered on.
Our involvement formed part of the wider £100 million Better Barnsley programme, an inspiring investment in the town’s future. Beyond the market itself, this broader regeneration effort included public realm improvements, new retail and leisure spaces, and a state-of-the-art college building. We are proud that our Mechanical and Electrical expertise contributed not only to individual buildings but to a lasting legacy for Barnsley, a town that now has modern infrastructure to match its ambition and community spirit.
Working on the Barnsley Glass Works Regeneration was about much more than delivering technical excellence. It was about helping to restore pride in the town and ensuring that the regenerated market would be a beacon for future generations. From the start, we approached this project with the mindset of creating spaces that would bring people together, revitalise the local economy, and celebrate everything that makes Barnsley unique.
Working on the Barnsley Glass Works Regeneration was truly special for our team. It wasn’t just about installing M&E systems; it was about creating spaces that people feel connected to. We’re proud to have contributed to a project that will benefit Barnsley’s community and businesses for generations to come.
Richard Oadley, Contracts Manager - Heb Mechanical & Electrical
Today, the transformed Glass Works stands as a living example of how infrastructure investment can drive meaningful social and economic change. Our M&E installations, designed with efficiency, safety, and longevity in mind, have helped create a dynamic destination that continues to attract visitors and support local businesses. Seeing the positive impact of our work on Barnsley’s town centre is a source of immense pride for our whole team.
The Barnsley Glass Works Regeneration will always hold a special place in our company’s history. We are proud to have been a key part of this remarkable journey, delivering Mechanical and Electrical services that made a real difference. As we continue to grow and work across the UK, we carry forward the same commitment: to deliver outstanding M&E solutions that strengthen communities, drive economic growth, and create places people love.