Market traders in Whitby have welcomed the restoration of one of the town's most recognisable landmarks and say it has given the area "a new lease of life".
The £1.3 million project to safeguard Whitby’s historic Grade II* listed Old Town Hall and bring it back into public use was completed this month.
The building was officially reopened on Tuesday (25 August) as long-standing market traders joined councillors, local businesses and stakeholders to celebrate its revival following a major restoration project that has secured its future for generations to come.
The reopening marks the completion of extensive renovation works to the 18th century landmark after significant deterioration caused by age and weathering had left parts of the building at risk.
The transformation has been welcomed by market traders who were temporarily relocated to Dock End while the renovation works were carried out. They are due to return to the Market Place today (27 August).
Artist Gary Jamieson has traded in the town for the last 16 years and believes the new-look marketplace has transformed the area.
He said: “The restoration of the Old Town Hall has given Whitby’s historic marketplace a breathtaking new lease of life.
“As the resident caricaturist, I’m thrilled to be back sketching under these iconic arches and welcoming locals and visitors back to our creative hub."
Ross Powdrell, who has been a trader in Whitby since 2010, added: “After 20 months trading in our temporary location on New Quay Road, we are looking forward to returning to the Old Town.
“Whitby Market is unlike other markets. It is small, with only a handful of traders, but absolutely steeped in atmosphere and history. I’m very much looking forward to trading in such beautiful surroundings, especially now the renovations are complete.”
The project was launched in early 2025 after the condition of the building deteriorated significantly, with further structural issues uncovered once restoration works got underway.
Without major investment, its condition would have continued to worsen, placing the Old Town Hall at increasing risk.
As a result, major repairs have been carried out to the building's distinctive clock tower and roof, while stonework and mortar on its façade and columns have been carefully restored.
The first floor, which has been unoccupied since 2017, has also been refurbished and modernised.
The project has been funded by money awarded to Whitby as part of the Government’s Towns Fund, as well as by North Yorkshire Council.
Our deputy leader, Councillor Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include economic development and regeneration, said: “This is a proud day for Whitby and it’s great to see one of the town’s most historic landmarks restored and brought back into full use.
“The Old Town Hall is situated in the heart of the town’s historic marketplace, and this investment has not only protected an important building for future generations but also created a high-quality venue that can support cultural and community activities, and help attract more people into the town centre.
“The scale of deterioration uncovered during the project showed just how important this investment was. Without intervention, its future would have become increasingly uncertain.
“It is therefore pleasing to see it restored to such a high standard and to hear such positive feedback from market traders, businesses and the wider community about the difference it will make to the town.”
Whitby town councillor Linda Wild, a member of the project’s steering group, cut the ribbon alongside Councillor Phil Trumper, who represents the Whitby West division, to mark the Old Town Hall’s reopening.
Mrs Wild said: “It was lovely to see the Town Hall officially come to fruition and be renovated. It has been standing there in the market square since 1778 and now it has been completed it will stand for a long time to come.”
Councillor Trumper added: “I was honoured to cut the ribbon with Councillor Wild after the fantastic restoration. Everyone involved should be so proud of what they have achieved.”
Councillor Neil Swannick, who represents the Whitby Streonshalh division on North Yorkshire Council, also welcomed the completion of the project. He said: “I’d like to thank the project team and everyone who has played a part in this restoration.
“This project was about ensuring that one of the town’s most important and historic buildings will still be standing for future generations – and it’s great to see the end result.”
The design was led by architects and engineers at Align, the council’s property consultancy.