Work starting on £3.2m redevelopment of grade II listed arts centre
Regeneration work to bring Barnsley Civic back to its former glory will get underway early in the New Year.
The Victorian building, which originally opened in 1877 as the Barnsley Mechanic and Institute Public Hall, became a theatre in the 1960s before closing to the public in 1998 following a period of decline.
Barnsley Civic reopened in 2009, with a new theatre space and contemporary art gallery but the front doors on Eldon Street remained closed.
Now, the work is finally set to begin to complete the original vision and bring the creative arts hub back into full working use.
A new programme of comedy, music, theatre, dance accompanies the redeveloped Barnsley Civic and the arts centre will remain open during the redevelopment.
As well as reinvigorating Barnsley Civic’s original entrance on Eldon Street, a café, bar and restaurant will open on the ground and first floor.
Flexible office space will be created to attract businesses and creative community spaces for events and workshops will be available to hire in the new-look venue. Toilet and lift facilities will also be enhanced.
The work is being funded by Barnsley Council, Historic England, and other funders, including a grant of £1.2m from the Eldon Street High Street Heritage Action Zone for repairs to the frontage on Eldon Street. Fundraising by Barnsley Civic is also underway to achieve a contribution of £150,000.
Barnsley Civic chief executive, Anthony Baker, said: “September 2023 is going to be the beginning of a new era for Barnsley Civic.
“We’ve waited 25 years to open our front doors onto Barnsley’s busiest street, Eldon Street. Barnsley Civic will be the jewel in the crown of the town centre transformation.
“Barnsley Civic is the only large contemporary arts centre in the borough and it is our mission to give the people of Barnsley high-quality inspirational cultural and creative experiences that will appeal to them.”
Planning permission has been granted for the development.
Councillor Sir Steve Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council, said: “This is an important scheme that will hugely complement the major improvements we have made to the town centre over the last five years.
“Barnsley Civic has lacked an active frontage onto Eldon Street for many years but this work will not only provide a fabulous cultural resource for the people of Barnsley, it will also conserve and celebrate the unique heritage of the building.
“We are thrilled to be able to fund this work along with Historic England as part of our four-year partnership project, which will greatly improve the physical condition of Eldon Street.”
Bryan Davies from Historic England said: “The redevelopment of Barnsley Civic is one of the most important schemes in the Eldon Street High Street Heritage Action Zone, as it will improve the appearance of the street, re-open the historic entrance, as well as create a thriving new business and community hub.”
Project work is expected to last nine months with the front doors of Barnsley Civic expected to open in September.
