Original theatre entrance to reopen to the public

The events will celebrate the historical significance of the Barnsley venue

A day of celebrations is to take place to mark the reopening of the original entrance to Barnsley Civic Theatre.

The Eldon Street entrance, which includes elaborate mosaics, has been hidden from public view since the theatre closed in 1998.

Although the Civic reopened in 2009, the original entrance remained shut.

The reopening event on Saturday follows a £3.5m regeneration project, funded by Barnsley Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Levelling Up funding and others, including £1.6m from Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone.

Originally built in 1877 as the Barnsley Mechanics Institute and Public Hall by Henry Harvey, and later known as the Harvey Institute, Barnsley Civic closed its doors in 1998 before it was reborn in 2009 as a theatre and gallery.

Barnsley Civic's chief executive officer and artistic director Anthony Baker said Saturday's event would “celebrate our collective past, present and future”.

“We are so excited to swing open the doors of Eldon Street once more, inviting people to rediscover and engage with one of Barnsley’s most magnificent buildings,” he said.

“Our aim is to fill every corner of Barnsley Civic with exciting activity, making it a place where everyone belongs, and where every visit leaves a lasting impression.”

To mark the reopening of the Eldon Street doors, Barnsley Civic commissioned a unique illustration by artist Julia Bakay

In addition to restoring the Eldon Street entrance, the project also includes a bar, flexible office space, enhanced toilet and lift facilities, and creative community spaces for events and workshops that are available for hire.

Barnsley Council executive director of growth and sustainability Matt O’Neill said Barnsley Civic had lacked an active presence on Eldon Street for too long.

“Celebrating the reopening of Barnsley Civic’s Eldon Street entrance is a significant moment for our town."

He said the redevelopment complemented work to revitalise the town centre over recent years.

“This work not only provides a vibrant cultural resource for our community but also honours and celebrates the unique heritage of this iconic building.”

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