A FURTHER £1.8m has been given to an 155-year-old town hall to transform it into a venue for cultural and creative activities.

Funding had already been identified for the first phase of improvements to Hartlepool's historic Borough Hall.

Following the announcement in Wednesday's budget, the total proposed spend is now about £3m.

Councillor Shane Moore, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “This is great news and a massive boost for the Headland and the town as a whole. The Borough Hall is an iconic building, but unfortunately it is showing its age and is in need of urgent renovation.”

The funding will be used to improve the entrance and bar areas, the main hall and associated performance elements and backstage facilities.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, chair of the council’s economic growth and regeneration committee, added: “The additional funding is great news and I look forward to the reimagining of this landmark building. There’s nothing quite like the buzz and excitement of watching a live performance in a beautiful and historic venue like the Borough Hall.”

Councillor Sue Little, the council’s policy chair for culture, said: “We have some really exciting plans for the building which we hope will inspire existing audiences and introduce more people to the wonderful world of culture."

A date for work to begin is still to be finalised.