Barnsley to be home to JE James’ 4th store and expanded Active Travel Hub

Barnsley town centre will be the site for JE James’ fourth shop this May, a 7,874 sq ft store located in 12-18 Eldon Street.

The three-story shop is part of the Eldon Street High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ), a four-year £4m project between Barnsley Council and Historic England, which aims to bring life back to historic buildings through restoration work and cultural activity on the street. HAZ awarded a grant to support the renovation work, focusing on the windows and historic stonework along with integral repairs.

As the Council continue to invest in the regeneration of the town centre, a project to encourage more cycle usage has also recently been announced. This will include the use of £950,000 of allocated funds from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority for the expansion of the current Active Travel Hub based at Barnsley Interchange.

In an ambition to reduce carbon emission, this enhanced Active Travel Hub offer will see hireable bicycles and eBikes purchased to encourage active travel (cycling and walking) in the town centre. A mobile hub will also be launched, meaning communities and workplaces across the borough will be able to access bike loans, free repair service and advice.

Chris James, Business Partner at JE James Cycles, said: “We’re really excited about bringing JE James Cycles and Giant Bikes to arnsley. We’ve been impressed with the regeneration that’s happened so far in the town centre – it’s such a buoyant place right now. There are not many places attracting footfall like Barnsley town centre now is.

“When we took on 12-18 Eldon Street, it was in a poor state to say the least. An awful lot of effort has been put into its renovation from all sides and we’re passionate about bringing a new lease of life to a building that was very nearly too far gone to save. We couldn’t have done this without the help of the HAZ scheme.”

Cllr Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “JE James Cycles is an extremely popular Yorkshire brand, and we are delighted to welcome them to Barnsley town centre this year. Their store will provide another fantastic reason to come and visit the town centre. I’d encourage people to pay them a visit, and then use your new bike to explore Barnsley’s stunning countryside and abundance of Trans Pennine Trail routes.

“Their brand-new store will be a completely new offering for us and shows real faith from the private sector in the regeneration that has taken place in Barnsley. It will also assist us in renovating another key piece of the puzzle in the centre, as part of the Heritage Action Zone, and in supporting our upcoming expanded Active Travel Hub.”

Cllr James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, said: “We are excited by the investment to significantly enhance the town centre’s active travel offer, which will increase access for our communities, and make active travel an attractive and realistic choice for short journeys.

“The benefits of physical activity through active travel to mental and physical health, as well as the environment, are proven and the addition of JE James Cycles is the perfect retailer to complement our aims.”

JE James is among the independent cycle retail voices arguing for reform of cycle to work.

Main pic: B&W – Photo credit Barsnsley Archives and Local Studies Service; Colour pic – Work underway on JE James’ Barnsley store in Feb 2024.