CHARLES Dickens, the Victorian classic author, is set to give Malton its biggest economic boost for decades with news that a prime town centre building is being earmarked for a major new tourist attraction.

Dickens visited Malton and Norton several times, and now the newly-formed Charles Dickens (Malton) Society is in talks with the Fitzwilliam Estate to take over the former Travis Perkins building next to historic York House in Yorkersgate.

It also wants to take over the Chancery Lane premises which it is believed Dickens used as a model for Scrooge’s counting house in “A Christmas Carol”.

Two of the country’s leading experts in themed visitor attractions spelled out their aspirations for the Dickens Experience when they met trustees of the society last week, and now the trustees have agreed to spend £8,000 on an interpretation study of the Dickens’ projects.

It is hoped the Malton ventures could attract international as well as British tourists.

The plan is to create a visitor experience based on the association between Dickens and Malton. Dickens frequently visited Malton to see his solicitor friend, Charles Smithson, who worked in the Chancery Lane office which became the counting house in the classic Christmas story.

The aim will be to create the Dickens centre on two floors at the former Travis Perkins complex, while the Chancery Lane premises – currently used as a store by Malton Museum – will be recreated as Scrooge’s office.

Modern multi-media and audio visual techniques would be used along with film set theming and figures from Dickens classics.

Audio tours using handsets and other electronic devices could be used to relate the Dickens story. With a vision-based tour it would be possible to see film footage, stills photography and cutaway models.

It is believed the Heritage Lottery Fund could help to finance the venture, which would be a year-round attraction.

The Dickens links with Malton include him giving readings in Saville Street at what is believed to have been an old chapel and regularly visiting Charles Smithson.

Malcolm Chalk, the chairman of the society, said agreement had still to be reached with the Fitzwilliam Estate on both buildings.

“I believe these ventures have considerable potential to help the local economy. We are determined to show we mean business with our aspirations.”

Denys Townsend, chairman of Malton and Norton Business in Action, said yesterday: “I am delighted to see progress on developing some of the potential for Malton’s heritage which will enable us to promote the town as a tourist attraction.’’