A special event will be held to give people a  first look at how multimillion pound works to revamp an historic town hall are shaping up.

The future of the terracotta stone Westhoughton Town Hall has long been a point of debate, having been out of use for several years.

But next week the public will get their first chance to see how £3.5M refurbishment works are set to bring the building back into use at an event at Westhoughton Library.

Bolton West MP Chris Green said: “Recently this has been a big debating point in Westhoughton.

“I’m glad to hear the positive news that Westhoughton Town Hall well be able to reopen soon for civic uses as well as bringing businesses into the heart of the town centre.

The Bolton News: People will get their chance to see the inside plans soonPeople will get their chance to see the inside plans soon (Image: Bolton Council)

“Hopefully this will also help reduce traffic because it will mean that people working or visiting there won’t have as far to go, so they will be within walking distance.”

The library event will give people their first chance to see the new internal designs of the building.

Built in 1903, the future of the Grade II listed town hall on Market Street has been discussed at various levels at Bolton Council in recent months.

The £3.5M funding was allocated by council last year, with £1.5M coming from the District Centres Fund which is also delivering projects in Farnworth, Horwich and Little Lever.

In July last year Cllr Arthur Price, of Westhoughton North and Hunger Hill, asked whether revamp proposals would still include a restaurant and café.

Now Bolton Council have said that extra spaces will be converted into office space for businesses, which will help contribute to maintenance costs.

The plan also includes work on the council chamber and other parts of the building.

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Bolton Council Leader Cllr Nick Peel said: “We know how proud Westhoughton residents are of this historic building, and what an important role it plays in the local community.

“This £3.5M project is a significant investment and allows us to carry out the necessary repair work while also securing the town hall’s long-term future.

“I urge everyone to come along to this event to learn more about the positive impact this investment will have on Westhoughton.”

The open event will take place at Westhoughton Library on Tuesday March 19 between 5.30pm and 7pm.