WORK has started on a historic building in Malton to transform it into one of the area’s leading wedding venues.

York House in Yorkersgate, which is adjacent to the Talbot will is undergoing extensive renovation work ahead of its opening in April.

The 300-year-old York House boasts original stone flooring and an impressive oak staircase, providing a beautiful backdrop for reception drinks before an event. Used in conjunction with the hotel’s semi-permanent marquee, the venue will cater for up to 150 people for a formal dinner or wedding.

David Macdonald, General Manager of the Talbot Hotel, said there is more demand for weddings than the Talbot Hotel can satisfy at the moment: “We are frequently contacted by couples that dream of getting married at the Talbot Hotel, but their numbers are often higher than our function room allowed. York House provides the space that we need, right next door to the hotel.

"The building has been empty for around 20 years, so it’s fantastic to see it being restored properly.”

The launch of the York House venue and marquee on April 9 will coincide with the Talbot Hotel’s fifth anniversary since re-opening in 2012 after its own multi million pound refurbishment.

Fitzwilliam Malton Estate has further plans for improvement, with the second phase of the development including construction of a permanent banqueting hall in the space between the Talbot Hotel and York House, as well as eight additional hotel bedrooms on the first and second floors of York House.