Work has started on creating a modern pedestrianised public plaza which will link the award-winning Barnsley Interchange project to the redeveloped markets area.
This public open space is the final part of the interchange development and includes a new feature canopy by the Kendray Street entrance which will complement the free flowing lines of the building. Space for the plaza will be created by demolishing the shops in front of the entrance.
All the work is being carried out by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) as part of its strategy to improve the public transport infrastructure across the county. The work is expected to be finished in the summer.
David Young, Head of Transport Integration at SYPTE, said: "The new plaza will be modern and exciting space designed for the people of Barnsley to enjoy and it will also create a striking new entrance to the interchange.
“Barnsley Interchange is a great success and since it opened there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people who are using it. This is great news and is part of our aim to improve public transport facilities in Barnsley and encourage more people to use buses and trains.”
Barnsley Interchange opened last year and offers passengers a safe, clean, modern environment, which links both bus and rail facilities.
Thousands of people use the facility each week and SYPTE estimate that 6.5 million bus users and more than 600,000 train travellers will start or end their journeys in the interchange every year.