A REVAMPED historic building could open its doors to the public next month.

Plans to turn the Red Tower, in Foss Island Road, into a cafe and kitchen are taking shape after the group behind the scheme won the backing of community leaders.

The Incredible Movement York (TIM) has taken ownership of the 15th Century buiding to provide a haven for those in need of a hot meal.

Imelda Havers, a founder of TIM, has high hopes of opening the Scheduled Ancient Monument during an open day on January 31.

She said: "All the feedback we've been getting is to put a cafe, kitchen and meeting space in there, and make room outside as well.

"Our plans and ideas started off as a challenge but we have had some very enthusiastic support from groups, and the more ideas we get the better this is going to be.

"We will have some coffee and cakes, and have a chat with people to get an idea about what it should look like, then give people a look inside the building because we really want to involve the community and visitors."

Mrs Havers has worked alongside Friends of York Walls and City of York Council to put the plans into action and bring the Grade I Listed building back into use after a long and controversial history in the city.

"It's very early days still and we are still at the ideas stage, but we are moving further forward.

"It's something we want to take out but we have to get the word out."

The Red Tower was built in 1490 and immediately became the subject of controversy when stonemasons objected to brick being used to build it.

Stonemasons sabotaged the work by stealing tilers' tools and resorted to mudering a man involved in its construction.

Details about the open day will be confirmed shortly.