A £80,000 project is under way to restore a 17th century building back to its former glory.

The Fitzwilliam Malton Estate is co-ordinating the refurbishment of the Parish Hall near the town’s livestock market.

Over the years the hall has been used for a variety of activities and was latterly the home of the Malton and Norton Operatic Society, who used the space not only for building and storing their sets, but as a rehearsal area for their productions.

Tom Storrar, assistant estate manager for the Fitzwilliam Malton Estate, said: “The society moved their rehearsals to the Milton Rooms following the expiry of the lease in April 2018. This enabled much needed restoration work to get under way.

“The refurbishment work includes replacing one whole section of stone wall, as the previous stone was too soft for the task, and completely replacing the roof.

“An internal refit will follow when a new occupier is found.

“The future of the building is open to a variety of possibilities. Interest has already been expressed to turn the building into an artisan food production and retail unit, expanding the ever-growing portfolio that makes Malton as ‘Yorkshire’s Food Capital’ increasingly attractive.

“Other uses will however be considered and are keenly sought by the Estate.”

Phone Tom Storrar at the estate on 01653 692849 or email enquiries@maltonestate.co.uk