AN HISTORIC York attraction has won a multi-million pound funding deal.

The official home of the Lord Mayor of York, the Mansion House will see its biggest investment since it was built in the 18th century after the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) granted it £1,198,700 to improve access, displays and conservation as part of its Opening Doors project.

The funding will also help more people get involved in learning at the Georgian town house and make it easier for people to visit.

Cllr Tracey Simpson-Laing, deputy leader of City of York Council said: "For almost 300 years, this historic building has witnessed many significant events and welcomed many lord mayors and sheriffs as well as visitors.

"This funding will bring about the most comprehensive restoration of the Mansion House since its completion in 1732.

"This is great news for the city and will open the Mansion House up to more residents and visitors who will be able to learn more about the building’s heritage and for the first time allow them to view the stunning collection’s the house holds."

This funding follows the agreement for City of York Council to invest £736,000 to support the project at a cabinet meeting in February.

The four main areas of the Opening Doors project involve restoring the original kitchens; improving displays, conservation and access to the civic collection of gold and silver ware; developing a conservation plan and preparing a history project.

When the restoration work is completed the Mansion House will open to the public five days a week compared to its current three.

Fiona Spiers, head of Heritage Lottery Fund Yorkshire and The Humber, said: "The Mansion House is a building of national significance and this restoration will reveal its true Georgian splendour to visitors."

The Mansion House hosts numerous civic and community events and was the first purpose-built house for a Lord Mayor in the country.

Since then it has been used for celebrations, including welcoming the Queen in April 2012 as part of the York 800 celebrations.