ONE of York’s most famous historic buildings, the Mansion House, is closing for a year to undergo a £2m restoration project.

Officially the home of the city's Lord Mayor it was built in 1732, and is of national significance as a prime example of an early Georgian townhouse, but is in need of renovation.

The building is open to the public housing an impressive collection of gold and silver. It was built as a home for the Lord Mayor to entertain visitors to the city, and also to house the civic collections.

Lottery funding of £1.2m has been offered with further investment being put up by the City Council.

Work is due to take a year with restoration of the buildings original kitchens and improved displays and access for members of the public. As extensive oral history of the building is also being put together while the building is closed. It is due to reopen in the autumn of 2016.