£7m Civic transformation plans lodged with council

The Grade Two listed Civic on Eldon Street began life as the Barnsley Mechanics Institute and Public Hall in 1877, later becoming home to a public library, shops and events space.

It was closed to the public 1998, and wasn’t reopened until 2009 with a new theatre space and contemporary art gallery.

As part of the restoration, the original Victorian entrance on Eldon Street will be reinstated, complete with a new bar and box office.

A new 150-seat studio theatre, dressing rooms and rehearsal space are also proposed.

The application, submitted by HLM Architects, includes plans for seven apartments on the first, second and third floors.

The £7.2 million scheme is partially funded by a £2m grant from Historic England that will also revitalise historic buildings on Eldon Street.

Historic buildings in the Old Town conservation area – specifically along the west side of Eldon Street – will benefit from the total £4m funding, which will be used to refurbish Eldon Street.

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