WORK has started on a historic building to transform it into a leading wedding venue.

York House in Malton, which is adjacent to the Talbot Hotel, is undergoing extensive renovation work ahead of its opening in April.

The 300-year-old York House boasts original stone flooring and oak staircase. Used in conjunction with the hotel’s semi-permanent marquee, the venue will cater for up to 150 people for a formal dinner or wedding.

David Macdonald, the hotel’s general manager, said there was more demand for weddings than the Talbot Hotel could satisfy.

“We are frequently contacted by couples that dream of getting married at the Talbot Hotel, but their numbers are often higher than our function room allows. York House provides the space that we need, right next door,” he said.

“The building has been empty for about 20 years, so it’s fantastic to see it being restored properly.”

The launch of the York House venue and marquee on April 9 will coincide with the Talbot Hotel’s fifth anniversary since re-opening in 2012.

Fitzwilliam Malton Estate has further plans for improvement, with the second phase of the development, including construction of a permanent banqueting hall in the space between the Talbot Hotel and York House, as well as eight additional hotel bedrooms on the first and second floors of York House.