JE James Cycles to open first Barnsley store

Posted on 7 Mar 2024

ACT member and Cytech-accredited retailer JE James Cycles – one of the largest independent cycle retailers in Europe – is to open a new 7,874 sq ft store shop in Barnsley town centre in May. 

The three-story shop will offer a huge variety of bikes and cycling goods from both JE James, which has been operating for over 60 years, and Giant Bikes, one of the biggest bike brands in the world.

This building 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. The Eldon Street High Street HAZ awarded a grant to support the renovation works, including works to the shop front – renovating the windows and historic stonework – along with integral repairs to the roof.

This work has assisted JE James Cycles in sensitively refurbishing the tired building and bringing it back into everyday use. As an organisation, it employs a number of contractors who have also helped with the conversion of the interior of the property for its upcoming commercial use.

Chris James, Business Partner at JE James Cycles, said: “We’re really excited about bringing JE James Cycles and Giant Bikes to Barnsley. 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.”

The new store will also offer e-bikes – with access to specialists – as well as full bike servicing and repairs, ensuring all cycles are ready for riding.

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 e-bikes 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. 

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.”