A JOB creation policy launched after the demise of the coal industry in Barnsley is finally paying dividends as increasing numbers of investors are now focusing on the town as a place to invest.
Work to re-invent the former coalfield areas in Barnsley was hampered in the early stages by the lack of suitable access roads for new industry, something which has been tackled with routes like the Dearne Valley Parkway.
Last year there were 46 major business investments in the town, a figure ‘substantially’ ahead of what was seen five years previously, said Paul Clifford, the council's head of regeneration.
Sites like Capitol Park at Dodworth and Gateway 36, the former Rockingham colliery site between Birdwell and Hoyland Common, are now seeing a surge in demand from investors.
One of the most recent clients moving into premises at Dodworth is the NHS, combining services which had previously been split between sites in Leeds and Sheffield.
The Gateway 36 development was bolstered by the council deciding to put public cash into kick-starting development there, by offering to take the leases on four commercial units covering 250,000 square feet, which were subsequently sub-let.
That had the practical effect of reducing the risk for the developer, which ultimately resulted in more affordable rents for future clients.
A second phase of that type of funding has now been launched and it is hoped it will result in the creation of around 350 local jobs.
Decisions are expected to be made around the turn of the year regarding where the council's investment will go, with nine potential investors interested in the arrangement.
More sites are now being earmarked for commercial development as part of the forthcoming Local Plan, which will act as a blueprint for development in the area into the 2030s.
Some of those sites are acknowledged as controversial, but are also seen as necessary to help ensure Barnsley's future prospects in employment terms.
In addition to opening up sites as attractive prospects for investors, the council is working on other job creation projects.
The Digital Media Centre in the town centre has been open for some years and is used to assist those wanting to set up their own businesses in the digital sector.
Last year 130 people got help to launch their new firms and this year the target figure is 140.
"The key message is that Barnsley is open for business and I think we have now got a reputation in those terms," said Mr Clifford.
Last year's investment in business came from firms moving into the area as well as others expanding to create new jobs, with cash coming from the banks to allow them to do that.
Investment levels are now at a ten year high, but council chiefs say there is still more to do to help ensure the town's future prospects.
Head of planning at the council, Joe Jenkinson, said: "We have taken some bold steps with land-release. The big unknown is going to be the level of job creation.
"No-one can really predict the impact of automation. If business rates was the only driver, that is based on the size of the building.
"But we want the jobs first and foremost."
