The Glass Works – the £180m retail and leisure scheme led by Barnsley Council alongside development manager Queensberry – has announced the signing of a major national retailer.
TK Maxx has committed to Barnsley by taking a new modern store in the development, which is on schedule for completion next summer.
Despite the ongoing fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, the popular high street retailer has signed a 15-year lease and will take a 21,951 sqft, two-floor unit opposite Cineworld – a prime location in the town centre regeneration. The is the final MSU (Mid-Size Unit) unit remaining in the scheme, following lettings to NEXT, Sports Direct (with fashion arm USC) and the already open JD Sports demonstrating retailer confidence in Barnsley’s trading potential.
It will bring its varied product offering, including women’s, men’s and children’s fashion, accessories, homeware and travel range to The Glass Works. It will sit alongside confirmed food operators include Nando’s, Muffin Break and local independent restaurant MEET – all of which will join the already open Falco Lounge and Coffee Boy, along with the independent food vendors inside Market Kitchen.
The signing of TK Maxx comes as Barnsley town centre continues to reopen following the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions. Non-essential retailers, including those in the town’s famous market, have now reopened as Barnsley begins its job-led economic recovery.
Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place, said: “We’re committed to The Glass Works now more than ever, and it’s fantastic news that we’ve welcomed another national retailer to the scheme in TK Maxx. The new store will be impressive, set over two floors and in a prime retail position opposite Cineworld.
“There’s no denying that the coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on the UK high street and that’s no different in Barnsley. However, as the town centre continues to reopen – with our great selection of bars and restaurants next in line to open their doors – we hope we will pick back up on our pre-pandemic momentum. The ongoing success of our town centre will be key as our economic recovery progresses. The Glass Works will play an important part in our jobs-led recovery, with the project estimated to deliver 1100 jobs by 2025.”
Alex Hyams, Leasing Manager for Queensberry added: “We’re delighted to secure TK Maxx for The Glass Works. It is a tremendous addition to the scheme and marks a milestone – we’ve now let all three MSUs ahead of opening next year with Next, Sports Direct with USC, and now TK Maxx.
“At a generally difficult time TK Maxx committing to a store in a prime retail position illustrates the strength of the scheme, which already has fantastic leisure, retail and F&B operators secured. We’re committed to attracting more exciting offers to the town despite the issues faced by the wider economy, and we’ll be working hard alongside Barnsley Council to achieve this over the months ahead.”
Cineworld and Superbowl UK – which will include laser quest, bowling and soft play – are the main leisure anchors of the project.
Kevin Frost, Property Director at Cineworld, further commented: “We’re excited to be bringing Cineworld to The Glass Works. The development is changing the face of Barnsley town centre and really lends itself to one of our next generation multiplex cinemas – and that is clear from the work that has been completed on site so far.
“Cineworld Barnsley will boast 13 screens with over 2,000 seats, including a full height 450 seat Super Screen and state-of-the-art 4DX screen. It will also feature the very latest digital surround sound systems with curved wall to wall, floor to ceiling screens, stadia seating and plenty of leg room. The work on site is progressing well and we can’t wait to open next year.”
