New pictures have revealed the incredible transformation of Guisborough Town Hall, which will officially open its doors to the public on Friday, 15 April.
The historic building, which forms the centrepiece of Guisborough's Market Place, will now act as a gateway for people visiting the North York Moors.
On the ground floor, the renovated building is home to Brotton company Shorty's Gins – a shop and award-winning distillery – run by Rachael “Shorty" Consibee.
The Heritage and Information Centre, also on the ground floor, will be managed by the Guisborough Town Hall Gateway CIC, which was established in 2016 as a partnership between the community and the council to secure the future of the Town Hall.
The top two floors of the building, which was built in 1821 and a further storey added in 1870, are seven bedrooms which sleep 17, a communal lounge and dining areas. This unique space has been designed for large groups of people to stay in. The accommodation is run by Guisborough business Odd Socks.
The Grade II-listed building also has facilities for cyclists including bicycle storage. Visitors can book to stay at the venue by visiting Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Guisborough Town Hall has had many uses from Magistrates Office and Petty Sessions Court to a solicitors' office and had stood empty since 2013 until it was bought by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council for £70,000 in 2015.
Thanks to National Lottery players this important heritage building has been preserved for it to be enjoyed by locals and visitors and to play a significant role in boosting the local economy and aiding the wider regeneration of Guisborough. The project received a grant of £1.3m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and subsequent grants from Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and Sirius Mining Foundation.
Andy Murray, Chairman of Guisborough Town Hall CIC, said: “This building is an important part of our heritage, and we could not allow it to be knocked down. Our intention has always been to improve the appearance of Guisborough, stimulate economic activity for local businesses, preserve cultural heritage, and involve the younger generation in restoring the town hall.
“I am so pleased to see our ambitions have been realised and the building has been restored to a pristine condition.
“Laurence Jackson students were invited to join us at the start of our journey. I have always believed that one of the major strengths of Guisborough is the promise and potential of our young people. We have to preserve the heritage of our town for future generations.
“I remain the very proud and passionate Chairman of Guisborough Town Hall CIC. It is my firm belief that the Guisborough and East Cleveland community can enjoy the benefits of the lovingly restored town hall for many generations to come."
Cllr Chris Gallacher, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “It's fantastic that Guisborough Town Hall has been saved and is now going to be such a valuable asset for the town, especially for those visiting our beautiful North York Moors.
“I'd like to congratulate everyone involved who has worked incredibly hard on this project, especially Andy Murray, who has dedicated nearly seven years bringing this project to life."
Ben Houchen, Mayor of Tees Valley Combined Authority, said: “I'm delighted to see Guisborough Town Hall has a new lease of life and has been returned to its former glories. This much-loved historic building is a real asset for the region and I'm proud to see our funding make a real and tangible difference. Seeing new small businesses already set up here and it providing fantastic accommodation for visitors to our area, its transformation will help deliver real improvements to the lives of local people."