Barnsley's second digital business hub opens for business

A trailblazing new digital business hub has opened its doors in Barnsley offering premium office space and state-of-the-art facilities for tech entrepreneurs.

The DMC 02 building provides eight new offices covering a total of 12,094 sq ft, plus an attractive atrium, co-working space and fully-equipped ‘Maker Lab’ for hands-on tech innovation and collaborative working.

Situated in The Seam, Barnsley’s new digital business campus, DMC 02 aims to attract local tech businesses looking to up-scale their enterprises; and businesses from across the UK and Europe looking to move in to a high-spec building in a great location between Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds.

DMC 02 is owned and managed by Barnsley Council. Its development builds on the success of DMC 01 which stands just nearby and has gained a national reputation for tech business innovation over the last ten years; and seen a significant increase in occupancy levels in the last three.

DMC 01’s growth prompted the council to acquire the former ‘Core’ office building in spring last year and transform its interior into a new landmark DMC 02 digital business hub. Its £1.7 million refurbishment has been backed by Sheffield City Region and it is set to support the creation of 100 new jobs.

Cllr Tim Cheetham, Barnsley Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We are very pleased to see DMC 02 open its doors as a key part of our new digital campus, The Seam. We look forward to welcoming new businesses into its excellent facilities; and seeing them grow and create new tech jobs in the heart of Barnsley. They will be joining a strong collaborative and creative business community which is already thriving at DMC 01.”

DMC 02 has already attracted tenants including TÜV SÜD, which has moved its machinery testing business here from Billingham in the North East, as well as Contrac IT and Walnut Creative which are both moving their growing businesses over from smaller offices in DMC 01.

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: “It’s fantastic to see Barnsley Digital Media Centre’s new digital business hub open for business. DMC 02, which has received more than £2million investment from the Sheffield City Region’s Local Growth Fund, will play a hugely important part in securing Barnsley’s role at the heart of digital technology and innovation in the North.”

DMC 02 and DMC 01 both focus on offering office space, collaborative workspace and membership packages to digital businesses and all businesses which want to do more with technology to help them grow. Its Maker Lab provides unique new facilities to help companies, students and start-ups develop and test their tech ideas.

DMC manager Tracey Johnson said: “DMC 02 is a fantastic expansion of our work at DMC 01. Our aim right across The Seam is to enable the growth of specialist digital businesses as well as forward-thinking businesses which embrace technology.

“We look forward to see its trailblazing Maker Lab become a place for companies to collaborate; test out new ideas, products and ‘Internet of Things’ innovations which will support the advancement of Barnsley entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth.”

Restructuring and renovation work at DMC 02, off County Way, was completed by Yorkshire construction company, Harris CM with NPS Barnsley as project managers.

‘The Seam’ campus is also home to Barnsley College’s SciTech building for digital learning and apprenticeships. In future, there are plans to add residential, retail, hotel and transport facilities.

Development of Barnsley’s digital business community has been driven by ‘TechTown’, an alliance of partners from across Barnsley’s business, education and public sectors. The input of senior public and private sector stakeholders was also gained through forums including Barnsley Economic Partnership. A bold new visual identity for The Seam and its DMC hubs has been created by acclaimed creative agency HemingwayDesign.

This business development complements Barnsley’s £180m town centre-wide regeneration scheme, The Glass Works.