Traders have returned to Whitby’s historic Market Place today following the completion of a £1.3 million restoration project to safeguard the town’s 18th-century Old Town Hall.
The Grade II listed building officially reopened on Tuesday, August 25th, concluding an intensive renovation effort launched in early 2025 to reverse severe structural deterioration caused by age and coastal weathering.
Funded jointly by the UK Government’s Towns Fund and North Yorkshire Council, the project restored the landmark’s distinctive clock tower, roof, external stonework, and columns. Contractors also refurbished and modernised the building’s first floor, which had sat vacant since 2017, preparing it for public, cultural, and community use.
Market vendors, who were temporarily relocated to New Quay Road and Dock End for 20 months during construction, resumed trading under the restored arches today.
“The restoration of the Old Town Hall has given Whitby’s historic marketplace a breathtaking new lease of life,” said Gary Jamieson, an artist who has traded in the town for 16 years. “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.”
Initial inspections in 2025 revealed that the building was at risk of irreversible damage without immediate intervention, with further structural defects uncovered once work commenced.
“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,” said Cllr Mark Crane, deputy leader of North Yorkshire Council. “The scale of deterioration uncovered during the project showed just how important this investment was. Without intervention, its future would have become increasingly uncertain.”
Design work for the project was overseen by Align, North Yorkshire Council’s property consultancy, with local representatives officially cutting the ribbon on Tuesday.
