A half a million pound investment is to be used to bring Malton’s Milton Rooms into the 21st Century.

Members of Ryedale District Council’s (RDC) Policy and Resources Committee approved the release of £307,000 in funding for the venue on top of a previously agreed grant of £193,000.

The arts centre and hub will use the money to fund new toilet facilities and improvements to the kitchen and lighting facilities.

RDC is responsible for all maintenance costs at the Milton Rooms as part of a 999-year lease from the Fitzwilliam Malton Estate.

The venue is managed by the Milton Rooms Committee, which sub-leases it from the council.

The board of trustees now includes the mayor of Norton, the mayor and deputy mayor of Malton, and the deputy chairman of Ryedale District Counci

The Milton Rooms Committee’s business case for the work to be carried out said: “The aim of all the planned renovations and refurbishments is to upgrade the Milton Rooms into a sustainable business, fit for purpose in the 21st century as a community venue for Malton and the whole of Ryedale.

“We will offer a wide and diverse programme to suit all ages and tastes with a mix of both professional and amateur performances and events.”

Parts of the bar at the venue will also be refitted and refurbished as part of the proposals.

The Policy and Resources Committee unanimously approved the release of the funding to the Milton Rooms.

Conservative Cllr Claire Docwra told the meeting: “I think this is going to be a great legacy project for Ryedale District Council.”

Cllr Di Keal, Liberal Democrat, said the work was “long overdue”.

She added: “I am sure the public out there will be absolutely delighted that they are finally going to sort out those disgusting toilets.Bring it on, the sooner the better.”

The chairman of the board of trustees at the Milton Rooms, Ray King, said: ‘’This is the culmination of a lot of hard work put in by the board of trustees, working with council officials.

‘’We are grateful for the support of councillors and delighted that we finally have agreement for the funding.

He added: "We look forward to implementing the long-overdue improvements as soon as possible to make the Milton Rooms into an outstanding 21st century venue and community asset for the whole area.’’

For more information on forthcoming events go to www.themiltonrooms.com