Essential work to maintain and restore parts of the Old Town Hall in Mansfield has started.

The work, which is costing in the region of £550,000, includes rebuilding chimney stacks, refitting the majority of the roof, replacing stonework, repointing the lime mortar on the outside of the building, as well as restoring period features within rooms including the Council Chamber and installing new floors in the connected shop units.

Mansfield BID have already moved out of the building and into Clumber House, on Clumber Street. Council staff will also be moving into Clumber House in due course but the front desk inside the Town Hall remains open to the public until further notice.

The council is looking at a range of options for the future of the Town Hall to ensure the building is put to good use and contributes to the regeneration of the town centre.

Coun Dave Saunders, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: “The council is committed to carrying out this essential work which will ensure the integrity of the building is maintained.

“The work is due to be completed by late December, and we are working hard to make sure this year’s Christmas lights switch-on can go ahead in November with minimal disruption.”

The car park at the back of the building has closed until December so it can be used as a site compound by the contractor Aura Conservation Limited, of Stockport.

The fountains in the Market Place will not be in use while the work is being carried out because they are in close proximity to the scaffolding.

Mansfield District Council has apologised for any inconvenience caused during this essential work.