A COUNCIL is aiming to save millions of pounds by moving away from an outdated town hall in need of major repairs before its new home is ready.

Eston Town Hall has been one of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s main administrative buildings, but the venue is due to be demolished and the 3.4-acre site put up for sale.

The decision to dispose of the hall, instead of spending £2.4m on repairs, was made as the council because of “significant financial challenges”.

With the neighbouring James Finegan Hall already closed, the whole site will be marketed as prime development land.

Councillor Norman Pickthall, cabinet member for corporate resources, said: “Given the reduction in council staff over the past two years, it makes sense to vacate the town hall and utilise our other buildings more effectively.”

The move is part of the council’s drive to generate cash by disposing of buildings and land that surplus to requirements.

Council employees who previously worked from the Fabian Road site have been transferred to other offices.

Civic facilities are being relocated, with full council and other larger political meetings taking place in Eston’s City Learning Centre, Normanby Road.

The leader and deputy leader’s office, together with offices for political groups, have temporarily moved to the City Learning Centre until facilities are available in the £31m Redcar leisure and community heart scheme The mayor’s office has been temporarily relocated to Kirkleatham Museum, before also switching to Redcar leisure and community heart scheme in 2013.

Council leader, Councillor George Dunning, said: “The town hall has served us well, but it is time to move on and the council will still be retaining a strong presence in the Greater Eston area.”

Customer services previously provided at the town hall are now based in the Low Grange Health Village, alongside the new Library@South Bank and one-stop shop.