Restoration continues at old town hall building in Malton (From Gazette & Herald)

Restoration continues at old town hall building in Malton

2:43pm Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News

Stonemason Steve Bassett works next to the newly-opened and glazed arches at the Old Town Hall, Malton

WORK to bring new life to the old town hall building in Malton has reached a new stage with the installation of specially-manufactured glazed panels into the re-opened arches.

The arches, which would have been open to the elements when the building traded as a butter market in the 18th century, had been filled in with masonry 150 years ago.

The Fitzwilliam Malton Estate has embarked on a major restoration of the building to help it find a new use following its former life as the museum and tourist information centre. The restoration of the exterior is due to be completed at the end of the month.

Roddy Bushell, estate manager, said the aim of opening the arches was to restore the majesty of the building and to re-establish the building as Malton’s most iconic structure, proudly positioned within the Market Place.

“The building’s strategic location and beautiful proportions mark it out as the prime location for a business wishing to make an impression,” he said.

“Now that the building has been restored to its former glory, its beauty – and its future potential – has become clear.”

Mr Bushell said: “We will look for a business that can seize that opportunity; a business that will thrive in Malton, one that will bring even more vibrancy to Malton’s Market Place.”