Barnsley Council’s Adult Skills and Community Learning service is moving to a new town centre home at Gateway Plaza on Monday 14 September, relocating from its current base at Wellington House.
Gateway Plaza will house all of the council’s employment and skills provision under one roof — Adult Skills and Community Learning alongside Pathways to Work and the Targeted Information, Advice and Guidance service for young people — offering learners a more modern setting with dedicated reception and waiting areas and purpose-built teaching spaces. The building sits on Sackville Street, roughly a ten-minute walk from Barnsley Interchange, with on-site parking including Blue Badge spaces.
Modern and welcoming
Councillor Rocky Laybourn, Cabinet Support Member for Regeneration and Assets, said: “This is a fantastic step forward for adult learning in Barnsley. Gateway Plaza provides a bright, modern and welcoming environment that will help learners feel inspired and supported as they develop new skills and achieve their goals. The move allows our employment and skills service to continue offering joined-up support from a high-quality town centre location. By bringing these services to Gateway Plaza together, we’re making it easier for residents to access the advice, guidance and learning opportunities they need to achieve their ambitions.
“This investment decision is based on our asset management strategy, ensuring the best use of our estate by filling vacant office space with high-quality council services, reducing leasing costs, and increasing footfall at Gateway Plaza. This will help support excellent local businesses such as NailMaker, Tin Oyle, Elysian and One Stop. We’re proud to invest in facilities that help our communities thrive, and I look forward to seeing learners make the most of everything this new space has to offer.”
Adult Skills and Community Learning runs a broad course programme aimed at helping people build confidence, gain qualifications and move towards employment, further study or volunteering. Learners will be sent details of their classes ahead of the start of the autumn term.
