Repairs approved for historic town hall

Repairs to the sandstone columns of one of a seaside town's most historic buildings have been approved after a survey found parts of the structure were in a "critical condition".

The 16 columns at the Grade-II listed Old Town Hall in Whitby are set to be restored as part of a wider £1.2m project to transform the landmark into a heritage and community venue.

North Yorkshire Council commissioned a specialist assessment of the 18th Century building as work continues on its renovation.

The report found three of the columns had deteriorated to the point where specialist structural repairs were needed, with the remaining columns found to require either significant or moderate works.

Planning documents stated some of the damage was linked to inappropriate repairs carried out in the past, which left sections of the stonework affected by cracking, surface erosion and delamination.

Historic England backed the repair plans, which will see damaged sections of the columns restored using "carefully selected natural sandstone, chosen to match the existing stone as closely as possible in colour, texture, durability and weathering characteristics".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, plans submitted to the council said work would be limited to areas identified as "cracked, hollow, eroded or otherwise structurally compromised".

The plans stated: "No general opening-up of the columns shall be undertaken, as intrusive exposure of defective zones may cause further damage to fragile historic sandstone."

The repairs form part of a wider programme to restore the Old Town Hall and create what the council has described as a "vibrant heritage venue".

Work to renovate the building began in 2025, and is being funded from a £17.1m grant awarded to Whitby as part of the government's Towns Fund.

Once completed, the building will showcase the history of the town hall, Whitby's market place and the wider story of the town, while providing space for community events, cultural activities and small businesses.

Council officials said the project would help increase footfall in the town centre and support the local economy by creating a flexible venue for residents and visitors.

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