Traders back at market after town hall restoration

Whitby's Market Place has a "new lease of life" after £1.3m restoration work to the Old Town Hall was completed, traders have said.

Work was carried out on the 18th Century landmark due to deterioration caused by age and the weather, North Yorkshire Council (NYC) said.

Construction at the Grade II listed building began in 2025, with the market temporarily relocated to Dock End, but it returned to its original home on Thursday.

Artist Gary Jamieson, who has been the resident caricaturist at the market for 16 years, said: "I'm thrilled to be back sketching under these iconic arches and welcoming locals and visitors back to our creative hub."

He said the building renovation gave the area a "breathtaking new lease of life".

The project involved major repairs to the building's clock tower and roof, NYC said.

Stonework and mortar on the façade and columns were also restored.

Roz Powdrell, who has had a silverware stall since 2010, said Whitby was "unlike other markets".

"It is small, with only a handful of traders, but absolutely steeped in atmosphere and history," she said.

"I'm very much looking forward to trading in such beautiful surroundings, especially now the renovations are complete."

The first floor, which had been unoccupied since 2017, was also refurbished and modernised.

Councillor Mark Crane, deputy leader of NYC, said it was a "proud day" for the town.

"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," he said.

Crane said the scale of deterioration uncovered during the project "showed just how important this investment was".

"Without intervention, its future would have become increasingly uncertain," he added.

Whitby town councillor Linda Wild, who was part of a steering group for the restoration project, said it was "lovely to see the town hall officially come to fruition".

"It has been standing there in the market square since 1778," she said.

"Now it has been completed it will stand for a long time to come."

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