Town hall's £1.3m revamp reveals hidden decay

An 18th Century building in a seaside town is in a worse condition than originally thought, according to new surveys.

Whitby's Old Town Hall is currently going through a £1.3m renovation to turn it into an art gallery and studio.

It was due to be repaired using "like-for-like" historical materials but, following ground level and drone surveys, North Yorkshire Council said this was "no longer possible or advisable".

The authority has now granted updated building consent to allow work to continue on the Grade II* listed building using different materials.

Key areas of concern include the condition of the clock dials, render on the clock tower and waterproofing of lead work.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a new planning report stated the town hall's condition "only became apparent upon removal of defective parts of the building".

The report said the clock tower would now be re-rendered, while a fish weather vane and compass on top of the building would have its gold leaf restored.

The existing clock dials would be replaced with new stainless-steel dials painted to match the current ones, the report added.

Historic England said the planned changes, which deviate from the original materials, along with the insertion of modern floor strengthening materials, would cause "less than substantial harm".

The building has not been used since 2017, although a market is held in its undercroft.

North Yorkshire Council said the building was a "prominent landmark" for the town and it was crucial the tower was "carefully restored" so that it could be enjoyed for many years to come.

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