Flying the media flag

The flagship development, part of the Remaking Barnsley regeneration project, has already attracted nine businesses with a further five due to move in over the coming weeks.

The DMC is designed for new businesses specialising in digital technologies, and growing companies who want to join the area’s creative and digital sector.

Jane Townsend, project and incubation director at the DMC said: “We are delighted that the DMC is attracting such strong interest within just a few weks of opening for business.

“It is great to have already welcomed a range of exciting companies to the centre, with a further group set to join our community of entrepreneurs by the end of this month.

“The DMC will have a positive impact on Barnsley and the regional economy as a facility that is designed to encourage the growth of local start-up companies as well as attracting businesses to relocate to the area.

“We are able to support these businesses by offering premises on flexible terms combined with tailor made business support that includes access to funding and mentoring programmes, and by creating links with a range of organisations including the University Centre Barnsley and Barnsley College.

Councillor Bill Newman, Cabinet Spokesman for Development, added: “The DMC is a great addition to Barnsley.

“This fantastic new building will act as a magnet for investment in the town centre and be the catalyst for new jobs. It will encourage creativity and entrepreneurialism.

“Quite simply, we want the DMC to be the best place in the town centre to start or run a creative business. I am also personally delighted at the support from the public for the design of the development.”

David Nam, a recent graduate from University Centre Barnsley, has moved his new digital video production company, BlueTreeFrog, into the DMC.

He said: “It's hard not to be impressed by the facilities available and the benefits to be gained from being based in such a spectacular location.”

The DMC, built in the Courthouse car park, has been funded by Yorkshire Forward, the European Regional Development Fund through Objective One South Yorkshire, and Barnsley Council. It is managed by Oxford Innovation on behalf of the Council.

The environmentally efficient building offers 72 offices over five floors around a central atrium.