G F Tomlinson has completed the major refurbishment of Barnsley College's University Centre, transforming the 93-year-old art deco landmark into the new South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT).

An official opening ceremony took place on 25 September, led by Barnsley MPs Dan Jarvis and Dr Marie Tidball, who were joined by representatives from Barnsley College, G F Tomlinson, AECOM, Salix, the Department for Education (DfE) and the SYIoT.

Originally built in 1932 as Barnsley Mining and Technical College, the building has been redeveloped as a future-ready education hub for higher-level learning, innovation and sustainability. The multi-million-pound redevelopment provides space for more than 1,000 students and staff, combining heritage preservation with cutting-edge design.

The project, delivered on behalf of Barnsley College, was funded through DfE investment, college capital funds, and Salix decarbonisation support for sustainable upgrades.

Key features of the transformation include the conversion of the former open-air courtyard into a fully enclosed atrium, complete with a glazed roof and a new Learning Resource Centre set across tiered mezzanine floors. The redeveloped facility also includes specialist IoT teaching spaces, digital learning areas, a café and a student breakout zone.

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The building now includes 100 photovoltaic panels generating up to 29.73 kWp of renewable energy, an all-electric Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system for heating and cooling, upgraded air handling units, and LED lighting throughout. Other low-carbon measures include secondary glazing, insulated plasterboard, and new roof insulation, which together contributed to achieving an EPC A rating — a major accomplishment for a heritage refurbishment.

The project also delivered substantial social value. G F Tomlinson engaged directly with the community through eight student site tours, 22 mock interviews, and five staff tours involving over 40 college personnel. The company also supported local job fairs, the Barnsley Apprenticeship Conference, and sponsored the Sustainability Award at the Barnsley College Excellence Awards, while donating to St George’s Church Food Pantry.

Economic benefits were equally significant, with 63% of the workforce and 84% of project spend sourced locally within 40 miles. Over 8,000 miles of travel were completed using low-emission vehicles or on foot, and 15.6 apprentice weeks were delivered on-site. The project was also recognised with a top score of 45/45 from the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

The South Yorkshire Institute of Technology is one of 21 IoTs across England, bringing together further and higher education providers with employers to address skills shortages in key sectors including engineering, digital, health, and construction. The Barnsley site is being delivered in partnership with Barnsley College, Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, DN Colleges Group, the Sheffield College, and RNN Group.

Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: "We are delighted to deliver this landmark facility for Barnsley College and the wider South Yorkshire IoT. This world-class learning environment reflects the very best in heritage refurbishment, sustainability and future-ready education design. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with the client team to deliver a project that meets high technical aspirations while generating lasting benefits for the community."