Plans to bring the Old Town Hall back into use saw Middlesbrough Council make a bid to the Heritage Fund.
Development funding of £229,737 has now been awarded to help the Council progress its plans to apply for a full grant of £3m. A final funding decision is expected at the end of the year.
It’s hoped the Old Town Hall, built in 1846, can be redeveloped to play its part in the regeneration of a historically significant part of the town.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “It’s great news that we’ve received this support.
“The Old Town Hall has a wonderful history. Thanks to National Lottery players we’re a step closer to making it a place a new generation of people can be proud of.”
Full funding from the Heritage Fund would allow the building to be repurposed to support the town’s thriving digital and creative sectors.
The main building would be renovated and split into flexible spaces while the clock tower would be restored and repaired to full working order.
An extension added in the 1970s would be demolished and replaced with a modern fit for purpose area.
As part of the next phase of developing the bid, the Council is going out to tender to hire an architect to provide design services for the plans.
Full details will be available via the North East Procurement Organisation portal.
The Council has already secured over £1m in funding to make the building safe and structurally sound through the Towns Fund.
That funding would be combined with the £3m Heritage Fund cash to overhaul the Old Town Hall and bring it back to life in an area undergoing significant development.
The first housing in Middlehaven for a generation has recently been completed. And the prestigious Boho X digital campus is to become home to global gaming studio Double Eleven.
The Heritage Fund supports projects around the country thanks to National Lottery Players.
