Grade I-listed Kelham Hall conversion 'will create 80 jobs'

The council says the move will save about £420,000 a year in running costs

A Grade I-listed Nottinghamshire hall used as council offices for four decades will be transformed into a hotel, spa and conference centre.

Kelham Hall near Newark, home of Newark and Sherwood District Council for 40 years, was built in 1863.

It was sold to Kelham Hall Limited in a deal that is expected to create 80 jobs in the area, a council spokesman said.

The new owners are planning to build an additional 65 rooms and redevelop the grounds.

The council will relocate to offices next to Newark Castle railway station in a move that is expected to save up to £420,000 annually.

Oil men

The new council offices will be "smaller and more energy efficient" and more accessible to the public, council leader Roger Blaney said.

The sale price was not released, but the property was believed to have been listed for between £2.5m and £3m.

Kelham Hall Limited owner Jonathan Pass said the grounds would remain open to the public for weddings, outdoor events, camping and caravanning.

During World War Two, the hall was used by the military as a base as well as by Texas and Oklahoma oil men who developed the strategically important Eakring oil field, which was located nearby.