Historic hall saved by £6m grant

The building closed in November 2002

An historic building in Harrogate, which was forced to close three years ago after it started to collapse, has been awarded a £6m restoration grant.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) announced on Tuesday it is to contribute to the partial restoration of the listed Royal Hall.

The town's council has also pledged £2m towards the work, which it is hoped will be completed by spring 2007.

The HLF said the work would protect one of the town's "favourite landmarks."

Carole Souter, director of the HLF, said: "The building is steeped in history as well as being an important community resource.

Disabled access

"The finalised plans will serve to protect this wonderful historic building while enabling it to reopen to the public."

The Royal Hall in the town centre was opened in 1903 and is a Grade II building.

It was forced to close in November 2002 after part of the ceiling collapsed.

It urgently needs structural repairs, weatherproofing, heating work and access for disabled people.

The partial repairs will not allow access to the upper circle, which will limit the numbers who can use the building to 800.