Project
Transforming a historic art deco building into a modern university centre
Barnsley College University Centre was created through the refurbishment and transformation of a historic art deco building in central Barnsley. The project delivered a modern higher education environment within the former Barnsley Mining and Technical College, combining preserved architectural features with contemporary learning spaces designed to support both independent study and collaboration.
March 19, 2026
- SECTORS: Building
- COUNTRIES: United Kingdom
- CLIENT: Barnsley College
- DURATION: Completed 2025
- Floor Space: 6,300 sqm
Originally constructed in 1932, the building retains a number of its historic features, including brickwork walls, stained glass and Portland stone. These elements were carefully preserved and integrated with new lighting, materials and interior elements to create a modern environment suited to contemporary higher education.
“It was crucial that it didn’t end up looking like a school, but a place where adults can experience a high level business environment before entering their profession,” says Paul Langton, Director of Capital Projects at BCUC.
A key intervention was the transformation of a former courtyard into a bright central atrium. Three mezzanine floors were introduced within this space, along with a new roof and roof lights to maximise natural daylight. Halo style lighting and timber panels with integrated vertical lighting further enhance the space and contribute to a modern interior expression.
"Some areas are more collaborative, but overall we needed excellent acoustics to help students read and revise."
Chris Sparrow, Director of Architecture at NIRAS Architects.
The atrium forms the social and collaborative centre of the building, supporting informal meetings, group study and everyday interaction between students and staff. One floor of the atrium also accommodates a library designed for both quiet reading and collaborative study.
Around the atrium are classrooms, IT suites, staff offices and informal meeting areas. The teaching spaces were designed to remain open and adaptable, allowing different layouts to support a variety of teaching and learning styles rather than fixed classroom arrangements.
Furniture was selected to support flexible learning environments and comfortable study spaces. Breakout areas, study zones and collaborative spaces allow students to choose how and where they work, reflecting the types of environments they may encounter in professional workplaces.
“We’ve kept the classrooms open and airy, which really allows the furniture to stand out.”
Helen Foster, Director of Adult Education at BCUC
The completed project creates a contemporary higher education environment that respects the character of the historic building while supporting modern teaching, collaboration and independent learning.
“The acoustics of the Mingle sofas are fantastic – they really help with reading focus."
Paul Langton, Director of Capital Projects at BCUC
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