MULTI-MILLION pound plans to bring Barnsley Civic back to its former glory are set to be completed later this year.

A total of £3.5m worth of funding by Barnsley Council, Historic England and other funders - which includes a £1.6m grant from the Eldon Street Heritage Action Zone for repairs to the site’s frontage - has been used to refurbish the centre.

The Victorian building originally opened in 1877 as the Barnsley Mechanic and Institute Public Hall and became a theatre in the 1960s before closing its doors to residents in 1998 following a period of decline.

The building reopened to the public back in 2009 but its front doors on Eldon Street remained closed - with the entranceway, mosaics and original ceiling hidden away from view.

On Saturday, September 14, the iconic Eldon Street front entrance will finally reopen to the public.

Anthony Baker, CEO of Barnsley Civic, said: “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.

“This is more than a reopening - it’s a celebration of our collective past, present, and future, underpinned by our commitment to delivering the culture and creativity that the people of Barnsley want and need.

“We extend our sincere thanks.”