Race Cottam Architects
An image of the central atrium space that shows A bright, multi-level interior space with open balconies and staircases connecting different floors. The area is filled with natural light from a glass roof above, and features seating areas where people are gathered,An image of the central atrium space that shows A bright, multi-level interior space with open balconies and staircases connecting different floors. The area is filled with natural light from a glass roof above, and features seating areas where people are gathered,

Barnsley College, South Yorkshire Institute for Technology (SYIoT) Barnsley

Conversion of an historic Art Deco courtyard to deliver a world class technical education for the South Yorkshire Region.

View from one of the iupper mezanine levels looking down onto the ground floor of the atrium showing the multi-level atrium with open balconies and circular seating areas below. Large ring-shaped light fixtures hang from the ceiling, illuminating a lively communal space where people are gathered at tables, creating a vibrant and social atmosphere.
A close up view of one of the study /collaboration spaces showing wooden tables with red chairs, set against a decorative wall of vertical wooden slats with vertical linear lights. The space includes black pendant lighting, a pale grey tiled floor, a slatted white ceiling and the original windows to the existing building are visible on the left of the image.
View from one of the upper mezzanine levls in the atrium featuring a contemporary study area with large windows, glass partitions, and long shared tables paired with red chairs. The space features patterned flooring, circular halo pendant lighting, and an open, airy design that encourages collaborative working or learning. The brockwork of the existing building can be seen the other side of the atrium.
A view of the contemporary reception area with a sleek white desk featuring slatted wood detailing below. Behind the desk, vertical wooden slats with integrated lighting create a warm focal point, while hexagonal acoustic panels add texture to the wall. The space includes modern ceiling lights, exposed ventilation details, and a clean, minimalist design.

Project info

Set within a conservation area, this 1932 art-deco building has been carefully revived by the Institute of Technology (IoT), transforming a once-forgotten courtyard into a sustainable, modern learning space. The project was delivered through joint funding from the Department for Education, regional investment, and the College Capital Fund.

Focused on people and opportunity, it supports SYIoT’s specialisms in engineering, manufacturing, and construction. Courses are co-designed with employers, equipping students from all backgrounds with practical, career-ready skills.

At its centre, a glazed atrium encloses the former courtyard, creating a bright, welcoming hub with a tiered mezzanine Learning Resource Centre that encourages collaboration and connection.

Location

Barnsley

Date

2023-2025

Client

GF Tomlinson on behalf of SYIoT

Services

Architecture, Principal Designer

Cost

£10 million

Area

4,500 sq.m

Main Contractor

GF Tomlinson

Team

Adept Consulting Engineers
AECOM
CPW / SYMS
OFR

Awards

Winner- Retrofit Project of the Year, Yorkshire and Humber Construction Excellence Awards 2026

Shortlisted - Heritage Project of the Year
2026 South Yorkshire Insider Media Property Awards

Shortlisted - Outstanding Development of the Year
2026 South Yorkshire Insider Media Property Awards

Our Team

Nick Stables
Mark Eden
Pauline Lake

Yorkshire and Humber Constructing Excellence Awards 2026
Judges Comment

The judges felt that the retrofit of the Barnsley College University Centre ticked all the boxes for this category – revitalising a 93 year old art deco landmark in a sympathetic and suitable way. A unified team supported the customer to achieve exceptional learning environments and considerable performance improvements to a regional centre for innovation.

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