Historic Whitby Old Town Hall Saved by £1.3 Million Restoration

A major restoration project has secured the future of Whitby's historic Old Town Hall, bringing the eighteenth-century landmark back into public use with a refurbished first floor for community events and a returning outdoor market.

A historic £1.3 million restoration project will bring Whitby's eighteenth-century Old Town Hall back into public use next month.

The Grade II*-listed landmark had deteriorated significantly due to age and weathering, placing its long-term survival at risk. Extensive repairs have now safeguarded the iconic clock tower and roof, while stonework and mortar on the façade and columns have been meticulously restored.

North Yorkshire Council's deputy leader, Councillor Mark Crane, explained the extent of the structural repairs.

"What we've done is effectively restored the whole of that building. I know it's not a massive building, but it was in a very poor state of repair, and the fear was that if we didn't, it would, in fact, denigrate more and probably not have any sort of a shelf life.

So we've replaced the columns. We've discovered as we were doing that that they were in a worse state of repair than we thought, and upstairs in the tower itself, we've opened up the space, we've put in heating, we've put in running water, we've put in a toilet, and the windows have been replaced, etc. So now, when you go inside it, you get that beautiful view out towards Whitby."

The building's first floor, which has stood unoccupied since 2017, has been modernised to create a flexible venue capable of hosting year-round cultural activities and exhibitions.

Councillor Mark Crane highlighted the potential of the newly refurbished upper floor.

"We'd love to see it used as much as possible. It's not a massive building but we do think it would lead itself to cultural events and exhibitions.

The one downside of it is disabled access is not possible. You'll appreciate a building of that age, it just wasn't possible to do that. So, there are some steps up, but once you're up there, it's a beautiful space. It's not massive, but it is a beautiful space. It gives itself to exhibitions and cultural type events and, as I say, people who go up there and see it will also thoroughly enjoy, I'm sure, the view out towards Whitby and the sea."

An official opening event is currently being organised to allow residents, businesses, and community groups to view the restored interior. The project was funded by the Government’s Towns Fund and North Yorkshire Council.

Councillor Mark Crane confirmed the timeline for the building's reopening.

"We're hoping that the building will be back open in September. The project has finished. It's just about all been done. I think there are some very minor plumbing works to still finish. But all the rest of that has been done. So as soon as people want to go in and hold events there, it will be available from September."

Alongside the building's restoration, local commerce will receive a boost as outdoor market traders prepare to return to the Market Place for the August Bank Holiday weekend, having been temporarily relocated to the Dock End area during the works.

Councillor Mark Crane said the return of the market is highly anticipated.

"The market is obviously been moved for a while now but it's coming back into this spot which has been known for many years. And I'm sure that many of the market traders are looking forward to going back there being in the centre of things and seeing good footfall around them."

The ambitious renovation was designed by architects and engineers at Align, the council’s property consultancy, following close engagement with the local community.

Ron Walton, the managing director of Align, 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."

Local representatives have also praised the completion of the scheme, noting its importance to the town's heritage and future economy.

Councillor Neil Swannick, representing the Whitby Streonshalh division, 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."

Councillor Phil Trumper, who represents the Whitby West division, said:

"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."

Whitby town councillor Linda Wild, a member of the project’s steering group, added:

"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. With the final result making it safe and preserving this beautiful building for the future, I am looking forward to seeing the building reopen."