As well as the trial at Barnsley Hospital, residents and local businesses will also be offered the chance to gain AI skills through an £800,000 AI Upskilling Challenge Fund.

The spokesperson said the fund was “designed to ensure bespoke and in-depth AI training reaches businesses and individuals that might not otherwise access it, or require more personalised support”.

It would open for applicants in May, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized organisations, they added.

Sir Stephen Houghton, Barnsley Council leader, said the pilot schemes “will be the first real example of Tech Town in action”.

“The AI Upskilling Challenge Fund will play a crucial role in helping residents build future‑ready skills, adapt to technological change and remain competitive in an evolving labour market, while also allowing employers to future-proof their operations,” he explained.