Investing in Barnsley town centre was something we had to do. The people in the borough have been crying out for a destination that can keep them entertained in the daytime through to the evening and into the night. I don't think anyone connected with Barnsley would disagree that the town centre public realm – an important part of the regeneration – needed a new look.

Residents in the town and borough previously spent about £65m per year outside of the town centre at other large-scale retail centres, such as Meadowhall – but we don't want our residents travelling down the motorway to find what they need.