WORK has begun on a £5m culture centre.

The project will transform a former highways depot into a library, Internet caf, office and seminar centre.

Forty self-catering flats and gardens will also be created at the building on North Road, Stokesley.

The development is a result of partnership between North Yorkshire County Council, Hambleton District Council and Broadacres Housing Association and will be funded by the three organisations.

Leading architect P+HS, which has offices in Stokesley, has led the design team to develop the centre and is overseeing the building work.

It is hoped IT equipment will attract younger people to the library, which will have a curved front leading round to the main entrance.

The flats will accommodate elderly and disabled people and provide social housing.

There will also be a social space on entering the building and all the facilities will lead off that central area. A glazed roof will be created above the social space.

Chris Dennis, of P+HS, said: "This development is excellent news for Stokesley.

"It continues the commitment to providing extensive services and facilities for the local community.

"The scheme has been designed to create a modern and inviting building, while remaining sympathetic to its historic surroundings.