Four key town centre sites have been acquired by Barnsley Council to clear the way for the £125m town centre redevelopment to go ahead.
Contracts were exchanged on Wednesday meaning the council owns the Metropolitan Centre, the former Carpet World building on Lambra Road, the old CEAG building, Kendray Street, and the block on May Day Green which includes premises from the Stop Smoking charity shop to the empty unit next to Ilkeston Travel.
Coun Linda Burgess said it moved the project, which has planning permission, a step closer. She said: "Piece by piece, all the parts of the jigsaw are falling into place, however, there are still many milestones yet to be achieved."
She said retailers including Debenhams, H and M and Odeon had signed up to the project and talks with others were in the advanced stages. Market traders had been in 'positive talks' with the council.
