Barnsley Civic has re-opened its original Victorian Eldon Street entrance, marking a significant milestone in the building’s transformation. Working closely with Barnsley Civic Enterprise BCE Ltd – the trust which owns Barnsley Civic, HLM Architects have been involved in the regeneration and retrofit of the Grade II listed Civic building into a thriving and financially sustainable community asset.
The HLM Culture team undertook an in-depth analysis of the building’s context, including planned developments within the town centre whilst working closely with the community and wider stakeholders.
The £3.5m restoration project, made possible through support from Barnsley Council, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), Levelling Up funding, and £1.6m from Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), began last year and now offers a revitalised space designed to serve both cultural and practical needs.
The HLM Culture team undertook an in-depth analysis of the building’s context, including planned developments within the town centre whilst working closely with the community and wider stakeholders – a solution was then created that would preserve and protect the heritage of the town while exploiting the potential of this hugely important community asset.
AJ Taylor, Associate and Project Lead at HLM Architects said: “It has been a privilege to contribute to the restoration of such an important part of Barnsley’s heritage. Our approach focused on respecting the building’s original architectural integrity while ensuring it is a functional, inclusive, and dynamic space for the community.”
Key features of the redevelopment:
- Restoration of the historic Eldon Street entrance, reconnecting the building with its iconic facade.
- Prominent lettable spaces for Food & Beverage and flexible office spaces, designed for dynamic use by local businesses and creative industries.
- The former School of Art room is to be used for community-focused for workshops, cultural activities and is available for events.
- Enhanced accessibility with improved toilet and lift facilities, ensuring Barnsley Civic is welcoming to all.
- Preservation of the theatre and gallery spaces from the 2009 development, ensuring continuity of the venue’s role as a cultural hub.
Originally built in 1877 as the Barnsley Mechanics Institute and Public Hall by Henry Harvey, and later known as the Harvey Institute, this landmark building has been at the core of Barnsley’s cultural and social development for over a century. The public can again use the Eldon Street entranceway with its elaborate features which had been previously hidden from public view.
