£3.2m regeneration of Barnsley grade II listed arts centre to begin

Barnsley Civic is set for an upgrade, as £3.2m of redevelopment work on the grade II listed building will begin early in the new year.  

The Victorian building originally opened in 1877 as the Barnsley Mechanic and Institute Public Hall before becoming a theatre in the 1960’s. 

It closed in 1998 after a period of decline but reopened in 2009 with a new theatre space and art gallery. However, doors from Eldon Street to the entrance hall, featuring mosaics and the original ceiling, remained closed.  

The regeneration project will bring the arts space back into use, with flexible office space to attract businesses and community spaces for workshops and events. 

Barnsley Civic Chief Executive, Anthony Baker, said: ‘September 2023 is going to be the beginning of a new era for Barnsley Civic, with work starting on the transformation in January 2023. 

‘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, which is why we are changing our programme from September.’  

A new café, bar and restaurant will open on the ground and first floor, while enhancements are also planned for toilet and lift facilities.  

The arts centre will remain open during the redevelopment and a new programme of comedy, music, theatre and dance will be launched when the work on Barnsley Civic is complete.  

Funding for the work has been provided by Barnsley Council, Historic England, and other funders, as well as a grant of £1.2million from the Eldon Street High Street Heritage Action Zone for repairs to the historic frontage on Eldon Street.  

The Barnsley Civic team is also in the process of fundraising £150,000 to go towards the regeneration project.  

Cllr 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 – one of Barnsley’s most historic streets.’  

Photo provided by Barnsley Civic