WORK has started on a £12m speculative development of industrial units just off the M1 at Junction 36.
The new development, called Kestrel Park, will provide 77,411 square feet of industrial space across seven units ranging in size from 3,000 sq ft to 21,500 sq ft and is expected to generate 185 jobs.
Carnell Management Services (CMS) is delivering the new commercial development, supported by the Property Investment Fund and the South Yorkshire Jessica Fund.
Work has started on the site near Hoyland, off the A6195 Dearne Valley Parkway, led by contractors BDB Design Build.
Managing director of CMS Martyn Carnell said: “Our latest development, Kestrel Park, reinforces our commitment to investing in our local area and follows other successful projects such as the Nexus industrial park at Capitol Park, Junction 37, which we completed in 2019.
“As always we’re focused on strong Environmental, Social, and Governance credentials for our sustainable developments and aim to deliver high-spec industrial and trade units suitable for a wide range of small businesses.”
Enterprising Barnsley business investment manager Shaun Higginbottom said: “Kestrel Park is delivering some much-appreciated, high-quality accommodation to meet high demand in Barnsley. We often have enquiries for smaller units like these coming from both expanding local companies and inward investors.
“It’s great to see a commercial property developer like CMS continuing to invest with confidence in the borough – recognising Barnsley as a very attractive location for business.”
Martyn added: “We have a long-standing positive relationship with Barnsley Council, and specifically Shaun. Our collaborative partnership and shared vision have been key to the successful planning and implementation of this development, which delivers another dynamic scheme to the local economy.”
Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “Barnsley is open for business, so we’re pleased to see work starting on this site, which will provide much needed and high-quality space, and strengthens our excellent relationship with CMS. It’s fantastic that they believe Barnsley is a place where businesses can invest and thrive.
“The site is in an excellent location with great links to the M1 at Junction 36, and we’re looking forward to seeing the site develop, encourage business growth, provide new employment opportunities for our residents and boost our local economy."
Kestrel Park is being developed in an area which sits inside the South Yorkshire Investment Zone and has seen sustained development over the past decade. It is supported by SYMCA utilising £3m of funding from South Yorkshire’s Investment Zone Funding allocated to JESSICA.
Director of the SY Jessica Fund Ben Morley said: “Utilising a flexible approach to supporting development in the region has allowed this development to proceed. With support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the Fund has utilised its own funds together with those that come with being the UK’s first Investment Zone to bring forward a scheme that has the ability to accommodate local business growth and inward investment at one the region’s ‘Opportunity Sites’.”
Kestrel Park is due to complete early 2026 with units available in the spring.
