ONE of York's oldest buildings will finally be accessible to all when a £300,000 refit is completed at the end of the month.

Work is under way to transform the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, in Fossgate, and make it easier for people with disabilities and mobility problems to get around.

Engineers are installing a lift in the modern section of the ancient historical site and are also removing steps to make wheelchair access easier.

From the end of March, when the hall reopens, visitors entering the hall from Fossgate will find the route obstacle free.

Skilled carpenters and joiners are also treating wood on the 14th and 16th century sections of the hall to ensure it survives the pressures of modern living.

Clerk James Finlay stressed that none of the ancient foundations had been touched in the major refurbishment project, which was funded by an English Heritage lottery grant.

He said the renovations aimed to make the visitors' experience even better than before.

The hall was built between 1357 and 1361. It has been extended twice, in the Elizabethan period and in 1949.

"This is a major project for the hall. We are making it fully accessible, particularly for people with disabilities," Mr Finlay said.

"It looks like a building site at the moment, but we are only a month away from completing the project.

"It has taken considerable planning and a lot of people are involved, but the results will be the most important thing.

"There is a one-floor lift and we are also raising the level of the floor inside the hall (to remove steps). The lift does not touch either the Elizabethan or the medieval section.

"It is a very exciting time. We are bang on schedule with this major development. We are also carrying out restoration work on some of the wood from the Elizabethan era."

Mr Finlay also outlined further ambitious plans for the hall in the future, including moves to provide audio tour guides for visitors.

Updated: 08:38 Tuesday, March 04, 2003