A HISTORIC building is set to reopen later this month following its conversion into a hotel and restaurant.

The Old Shire Hall, in Durham, which was built as the nineteenth century home for Durham County Council, has had a £15million refurbishment and is opening as Hotel Indigo.

The hotel in Old Elvet, which will employ more than 60 people, is taking bookings from March 30.

The Grade II listed building has been empty since 2012, when Durham University moved out after having occupied it since the 1960s.

Many of it’s original features have been retained as part of the redevelopment, which was designed by Durham architects Howarth Litchfield, including dozens of stained glass windows, elaborate tiling and wood panelling, while the former council chamber has been converted into a 100-cover Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, with adjacent cocktail bar.

General manager Paul Borg said: “The building has been empty for such a long time, therefore we are delighted to have this opportunity to bring such a beautiful building back to life. We’re here to enhance it.

“The hotel is right in the heart of Durham and we feel it fills a gap in the market.”

Kathryn Mason, Howarth Litchfield’s interior designer, said “Hotel Indigo has been an outstanding project to work on.

“The listed building is steeped in history and our brief was to reflect the neighbourhood story of Durham within the hotel.

“ It was crucial to design a scheme that enhanced the original features but also that held the hotels brand in a unique way to Durham and make it suitable for today’s clientele.

“Many legacy items of furniture from the council chambers have been re-used and adapted along with bespoke items and lighting throughout the hotel to create a grandeur and opulence to the interior.”

As part of the design, all of the bedrooms have either an academic or cathedral theme to reflect two of the city’s biggest influences.

Marketing manager Luke Balcombe said: “Part of our brand is for each individual hotel to have its own neighbourhood story.

“Durham is very much a historic city so we wanted to reflect that. We have worked in hotels before, but nothing like this.”