A GRADE II-listed community hall has today landed a cash windfall to go towards a major redevelopment scheme.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded £336,000 to Durham County Council for work on the Witham Hall, in Barnard Castle.

Work on the £3m project has already started. The building will be restored and turned into a heritage learning centre by spring 2013.

Its transformation is part of Barnard Castle Vision’s master plan to boost the town by connecting its main attractions to increase footfall and spending.

Ivor Crowther, head of the HLF North-East, said: “HLF is delighted to be supporting this project that will totally rejuvenate a much-loved building, bringing it back to the heart of the community for everyone to use and enjoy.

“It demonstrates how a heritage building, while providing an important link to a community’s roots, can also be adapted for the needs of today.”

The improved facilities will cater for a wide range of community, business and cultural activities, including arts and music events, craft groups, an afternoon club, workshops, conferences and studio space.

The town library will be refurbished with office space for Durham County Council and a customer access point and linked to the Witham Hall.

A new community engagement officer will be recruited to run educational and community activities, helped by a team of about 50 volunteers.

Exhibitions, workshops, talks and guided tours will help local people and visitors to learn about the hall’s heritage, the town and its people.

Opened in 1846, the hall was originally a dispensary for the sick then a Mechanics Institute educating the poor.

In the 1860s, it was extended to include a music hall and has since served as a community venue for social events, a cinema, a town council office as well as a library.

Durham County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, Councillor Neil Foster, said: “I am grateful to HLF for such generous support for a scheme which I know will result in a much loved community asset fulfilling a vibrant role once again.

“This major regeneration programme will deliver a wonderful centre for art and culture alongside a state-of-the-art customer access point and revamped public library.

“I feel sure when complete it will more than meet expectations.”

The hall’s trustees and Barnard Castle Vision have already secured £2m of funding from the council and hope to win financial support from the European Regional Development Fund.