EXTERNAL building work on a hotel that was partially destroyed by fire in 2008 is due to be completed by the end of the summer.

Outside restoration of the King’s Hotel, in Darlington town centre, is expected to be finished by September, when work to fit out the inside of the rebuilt rooms can begin.

Owners the Moorfield Group have organised the external work, while operator the Cairn Group will refit the interior.

It has been reported on a North-East business website that the hotel is scheduled to reopen fully next year, and 50 staff will be taken on.

It is thought former staff who were made redundant or offered jobs elsewhere by the Cairn Group as a result of the fire will be given first refusal on the new positions.

Progress of the restoration can now be seen after tarpaulin protecting the work was removed, revealing the newlyrestored roof.

At present, the hotel is operating 26 ensuite rooms. It partially reopened in October 2008, two months after the fire.

Work to restore the Grade-II listed building began in May last year after most of the roof and the upper floors were destroyed during the blaze.

About 100 guests had to be evacuated from the building, in Priestgate, during the fire, which was one of the biggest in Darlington’s history.

Months of investigations by police and the fire brigade failed to find out how it started.

Although arson is suspected, investigators say the cause may never be known, because so much of the evidence was destroyed by the flames.

Ian Purvis, a spokesman for the Moorfield Group, said: “Moorfield can confirm external restoration works on the King’s Hotel are scheduled for completion in September.

“Thereafter, the property will be handed over to the hotel operators for fitting out.

“We are pleased that this important building will soon be restored to its former glory.”