FIVE years’ work paid off as the historic Eldon Street entrance to the Barnsley Civic was officially reopened with a series of celebrations and activities.
Following years of planning and around 18 months of renovation and restoration work, the former main entrance to the town centre theatre on Eldon Street - which closed to the public in 1998 - has finally reopened.
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.
Last Friday, Civic chief executive Anthony Baker, council leader Sir Steve Houghton, MPs Dan Jarvis and Marie Tidball and Mayor of Barnsley John Clarke officially reopened the entrance.
Local performers the Unnaturalists provided entertainment and performed a magic trick with the help of special guest Stephanie Hirst.
Anthony Baker told the Chronicle: “Opening the front doors and the whole front of the building and welcoming people in was such a joyous occasion.
“Hearing people’s stories of their connection with the building stretching back many decades was a highlight.
“Seeing so many people smiling, reminiscing and having a great time was beautiful to watch.
“The people of Barnsley really embraced the new future of Barnsley Civic and also came to see some examples the performers and companies we work with in our showcase in the evening.
“It was a gorgeous opening of the next chapter for Barnsley Civic and I’m proud of everything the team have achieved to get us to this place.”
Part of the opening included unveiling an entrance way plaque dedicated to the 16 children who died in the building - which was then called the Public Hall - back in 1908 when they were crushed on an overcrowded staircase.
Paul Stott, whose great aunt and uncle Hardy and Mary Elizabeth Stott died in the incident, attended.
He said: “It’s always been a major thing for our family.
“It happened in 1908 and I grew up in the 70s, but it was still talked about all the time.
“I think there’s still a bit of survivor’s guilt - my grandad, James Arthur Stott, was there, he could’ve died and then I wouldn’t be here.
“What could their families have done if they’d have lived on?”
On Saturday, public events were held throughout the day to celebrate, featuring exhibitions from local artists and a live performance from folk duo Eletto.
Steve added: “It’s great to see it finally over the line.
“In many ways we’ve restored what we had historically again - the entrance onto Eldon Street, the structures inside, people will remember them from their youth.
“It’s modernised and much more contemporary, but nonetheless you will still recognise the Civic in many ways as it used to be.
“Now it’s got an even bigger offer in terms of space and activities, so we want to make the most of that.
“With this we’ve got something in Barnsley that’s comparable to what you’ll see anywhere else in the country.”
