How it rates
This week Dan Jarvis, the new Labour MP for Barnsley Central, took his seat in the House of Commons. His victory in the recent by-election was surrounded by some controversy. The Lib Dem candidate came sixth, a result blamed on the failure of Nick Clegg, MP for nearby Sheffield Hallam, to appear on the campaign trail.
This fuss overshadowed crucial property news for the South Yorkshire town, where a third of its workforce are employed by the State. Land Registry figures show that Barnsley property prices are sliding. The town has suffered the greatest fall across all metropolitan districts in England and Wales, down 3.4 per cent in January. The average price is £92,083, against £163,177 nationally.
What’s new
At Gateway Plaza, an apartment block opened in 2009, you can now rent-to-buy a furnished studio flat from £400 a month for a year (0845 6049094). Four-bedroom detached houses at Salter’s Rise, close to the town centre and M1, are available for £295,000 (Sorby’s, 01226 799000).
Architectural gems
The town hall, built in 1933, will house Experience Barnsley, a new museum. Wentworth Castle has the only Grade I listed parkland in South Yorkshire.
Transport
Convenient for the M1, A1 and M62. Leeds, Sheffield and (on a good day) Manchester are within an hour’s drive. Trains to Leeds and Sheffield take about half an hour, with links to London via Sheffield or Doncaster. Leeds Bradford and Doncaster have airports.
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Best bits
Head west to rural villages such as Cawthorne and Silkstone and you could pay more than £1 million for a period farmstead with land. Closer to town, the new Barnsley Central MP might check out the Huddersfield Road conservation area, from about £200,000 for a Victorian family house.
Going out
Plenty of pubs and clubs. The restaurant scene is quieter, but Red Ginger (Chinese/Japanese fusion), the Italian Puccini’s and The Spencer Arms gastropub provide foodie havens. The Civic has big-name comedians, dance and music.
Schools
Shawlands, Barugh Green and Holyrood RC are favoured primaries. Every secondary school is being rebuilt under the Building Schools for the Future programme, with Holgate-Kingstone and Penistone Grammar top choices. There is also the privately funded Barnsley Academy, but if you want independent, it’s Wakefield or Sheffield.
Quality of life
If you’re lucky enough to have a decent job, it’s a great place for commuters and families. However, 15 per cent of Barnsley’s children live in severe poverty, according to a recent Save the Children report.
Working life
The biggest employers are in the public sector, including education and the NHS. The retailer, ASOS is opening a new distribution centre, creating 1,000 jobs.
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Upside
Friendly people, stunning countryside and big cities within a few miles.
Downside
Much more private investment is needed.