Traders return to ‘stunning’ landmark after £1.3m restoration in North Yorkshire town
The Historic Grade II Listed Whitby Old Town Hall Has Been Safeguarded For Future Generations Following The Completion Of A £1.3 Million Restoration Project.
TRADERS are set to return to one of the most recognisable landmarks in a North Yorkshire town following the completion of a £1.3 million restoration project.
An extensive programme of works to secure the future of Whitby’s historic Old Town Hall and bring it back into public use has been completed after the condition of the Grade II*-Listed site had deteriorated significantly due to age and weathering.
Work to renovate the 18th-century building and create a “vibrant heritage venue” began in 2025 using funding from a £17.1 million grant awarded to Whitby as part of the previous Government’s Towns Fund, as well as funding from North Yorkshire Council.
Market traders who were relocated to the Dock End area of the town during the works are due to return to the Market Place in time for the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The building’s official reopening is due to take place “in the coming weeks”
The Project Included Extensive Repairs To The Building'S Iconic Clock Tower And Roof, Alongside The Restoration Of Stonework And Mortar On Its Façade And Columns.
North Yorkshire Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include economic development and regeneration, said: “The completion of this project is fantastic news for Whitby and everyone who cares about the town’s rich heritage.
“The Old Town Hall is one of the area’s most recognisable buildings, and for generations it has been a focal point at the heart of Whitby’s community.
Councillors And Local Stakeholders Have Welcomed The Completion Of The Project Ahead Of The Official Reopening Of Whitby Old Town Hall, Which Is Due To Take Place In The Coming Weeks.
“This investment was about preserving its legacy, securing its future and also bringing a much-loved landmark back into active use – creating a high-quality space that can host cultural activities and community events all year round.
“We hope this can attract more visitors to the town, driving footfall and providing a boost for local businesses and the wider economy.”
The renovated space will celebrate the rich history of the building, the market place, and the wider story of Whitby, creating an engaging destination for residents and visitors alike.
The project aims to revitalise the town centre by creating an “attractive, multi-functional space that increases footfall and strengthens the local economy”.
The first floor, which has been unoccupied since 2017, has also been refurbished and modernised, creating a flexible new venue capable of hosting cultural activities, exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Whitby Old Town Hall Market Day. BFF, NYC
Whitby town councillor Linda Wild, who is a member of the project’s steering group, also welcomed the completion of the project.
She said: “It has been a privilege to be involved in the restoration, and I’m very happy and relieved that the long-term future of this important building has been safeguarded for future generations.
“From the outset, it was vital that any works were respectful to the Old Town Hall’s historic character and provided an accessible space that can support the community.”
Whitby Town Council has also expressed interest in operating and managing the historic venue.
An official opening event where councillors, businesses, local groups and the community can look around the newly renovated Old Town Hall is in the process of being organised, with a date to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Whitby Old Town Hall Front Columns 2023. BFF, NYC
Cllr Neil Swannick, who represents the Whitby Streonshalh division on North Yorkshire Council, said: “The Old Town Hall is a much-loved part of Whitby and it’s brilliant to see it restored to such a high standard.
“These improvements not only safeguard such an important part of Whitby’s history, but will also allow residents, community groups and visitors to use the first-floor space which can hopefully attract even more footfall to the town for many years to come.”
The project’s design has been led by architects and engineers at Align, the council’s property consultancy, following engagement with the local community.
NYC said that the extent of the building’s deterioration highlighted the urgent need for intervention, and without major renovations, its condition would have continued to worsen.
The project included extensive repairs to the building’s iconic clock tower and roof, alongside the restoration of stonework and mortar on its façade and columns.
Whitby Old Town Hall, Concrete Render Of Columns Has Blown. NYC/BFF
The managing director of Align, Ron Walton, said: “Our team of architects and engineers have worked closely with the council throughout the project to make sure this important and historic building has been carefully restored in the best way possible.
“We are pleased that the project has reached completion and hope the refurbished building will become a valuable asset for residents, businesses and visitors.”
Cllr Phil Trumper, who represents the Whitby West division on North Yorkshire Council, added: “This project was started to ensure that the Old Town Hall will still be standing 100 years from now.
“The project team and everyone involved should be very proud of the results of the restoration – the building looks stunning.”
(Image: Newsquest)