ST MARGARET’S Hall in Bradford on Avon had its official opening this week, 10 years after work was first started on the project by the town council.

Plans to renovate the late 18th-century hall were initiated by former mayor Vicky Landell Mills who unveiled a plaque at the event on Wednesday alongside current mayor John Potter.

Mr Potter said: “A year ago this hall was part of a building site but now look at it. It is fantastic and exciting that it has officially reopened, 10 years after work was first started on it. I have been on the committee of the project for all that time so it has been lovely to see it progress.

“It’s has become a community building and there are lots of groups who use the hall on numerous occasions and we are so happy that many of them could celebrate the opening with us.”

The now completed venue has been renovated with 190 seats, a new lighting system and a performance area with the town council occupying the adjoining offices. The town council are also offering people to chance to sponsor one of the seats in the newly-refurbished hall.

Vicky Landell Mills said that being able to come back to unveil the hall to the groups who use it was a proud moment.

She said: She said: “It has come together brilliantly and it has become so popular that I believe bookings are full until August.”

“It is lovely to see that it has all worked out so well well and I am really proud of the way the team pulled together for it.”

The project, which was estimated to cost over £800,000, faced setbacks in 2013 after problems with the roof and floor were discovered when work began as the building was built as a dyers house which later became a cinema in the town.

However 12 months on, over 15 groups now use the hall including the Bradford on Avon film society, the Leg Club, the Preservation Trust and Climate Friendly Bradford.