Work is set to be carried out at a historic Durham City building to preserve its heritage for centuries to come.
Durham Town Hall has been central to the city from as far back as the 14th century and is a popular site to learn about County Durham’s heritage.
The building has attracted almost 16,000 visitors since Durham County Council opened it to the public in November 2018, with people stopping by each Saturday to learn about the Prince Bishops who ruled the county from the 11th Century, the evolution of local government, or how the town hall developed from the first timber structure of 1356 to the complex building it is today.
However, under coronavirus restrictions, Durham Town Hall has been closed to the public since 5 November.
This closure is to be extended through spring 2021 to allow the council to carry out a wide range of external and internal repairs, maintenance, conservation and restoration to preserve the building and the artefacts within.
Cllr Joy Allen, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for transformation, culture and tourism, said: “We have some stunning artefacts and historical pieces on display at Durham Town Hall spanning across the county’s rich history which, along with the fantastic architecture of the building itself, deserve to be preserved. These important works are being carried out to make sure this historical site can be enjoyed by generations to come.
“We look forward to completing these works and welcoming visitors back in the near future and for many more years to follow.”