PLANS for the future use of a Grade II listed building are starting to come together following a series of consultation exercises.

Guisborough Town Hall has been in the spotlight since Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council bought the distinctive three-storey building last year.

In relatively recent years, the building was used as offices and was owned by a pub company.

Now a range of uses for the building have been suggested after a total of 75 people took part in the events, including representatives from the town council, community groups and residents.

The most popular suggestions included use as a museum, tourist information centre, a space for community groups or a hub, as a theatre or arts venue, and for small businesses, shops or an indoor market.

The council has warned that a key element of developing the town hall will be securing funding, and people were asked how they thought how money could be obtained.

Cllr Dale Quigley, cabinet member for economic development, said: “Following the consultation events and a feedback workshop, a number of promising ideas were put forward to the council from interested parties ranging from community groups to developers and local residents. I would like to thank everyone who attended.

“We will hold a further community session in the next month and we are interested in working with community groups to draw up detailed proposals, including funding options, of how Guisborough Town Hall can become a key hub in the town.”

And Tom Blenkinsop MP, for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, added: “I hope that this can be used as a blueprint to bring other abandoned buildings across East Cleveland back in to use. When Parliament returns I will be asking the government to provide the resources which will allow the council to improve more of our towns and high streets.”

At a meeting at Sunnyfield House earlier this month, some residents and town councillors made it clear they wanted a say in its future use. Concern was also raised about the estimated cost of essential repairs.