Witham Hall restoration project receives £775,000 boost

Witham Hall dates back to 1846

A project to restore a Grade II listed building in a County Durham town has received almost £774,000 in funding.

The money from the European Regional Development Fund will be used for the two-year-project at Witham Hall, Barnard Castle.

Durham County Council has given planning permission for it to be restored and become a heritage centre.

Witham Hall opened in 1846 as a memorial to philanthropist, landowner and geologist Henry Witham.

It is currently used as meeting rooms and for archives.

The money will also be used to create new studios and office space for local artists and businesses.

As part of the plans, the building will also be extended and refurbished to include new council offices.