WORK has started on the multimillion pound revamp of a landmark hotel which was devastated during a suspected arson attack.

Mystery still surrounds the cause of the blaze, which tore through the upper floors of the King’s Hotel, in Darlington, nearly two years ago.

The four-storey Victorian building has been under scaffolding and weather-proof sheeting since, but the owners have begun work on a £3.75m restoration project.

The grade II-listed building’s roof is to be replaced, fire damaged walls are to be repaired and the interiors are to be stripped out and replaced.

It is expected that the work at the hotel, formerly known as the King’s Head, will take a year to complete. Owner Moorfield Group has commissioned building firm Quarmby Construction to carry out the work.

Mark Holmes, of Moorfield Group, said: “Having worked closely with Darlington Borough Council and local conservation officers, we are delighted that work has started on site to reinstate the hotel.

“Quarmby Construction has an excellent track record in town centre development, particularly in the north of England, and we look forward to working with them on this project.”

The nearby Cornmill shopping centre and the pedestrianised shopping area on High Row will remain open to the public throughout the works, and the hotel will stay open.

David Jones, of Quarmby, pledged that the project would be finished with the least possible disruption to the town centre.

“Operating a major construction site in the heart of a busy shopping area always presents particular challenges,” he said.

“But having completed similar city centre projects in Leeds, York and Sheffield, we are very aware of local sensitivities and public safety considerations.

“The key is to keep everyone informed and establish a positive working partnership with local businesses and the community from the outset.

“Fortunately, here in Darlington, the hotel is a much-loved local landmark and there is enormous support for its restoration.”

Fire broke out on the top floor of the hotel at midnight on Thursday, August 14, 2008. Scores of people, including tourists from across the world, were rescued from the blaze, which raged until after 4am.

The police and fire service later said they were treating the incident as suspicious, although no one has ever been charged, and investigators admit they may never find out how the blaze started.