WITNEY’S Corn Exchange is set to reopen in May after major renovation work began last week.

The Grade II-listed Market Square building closed in 2011 after an inspection uncovered a series of safety issues including structural problems. Asbestos was also found earlier this year.

Owner Witney Town Council had planned to reopen the building as an arts venue and community centre before Christmas.

But workers could not move in until the asbestos was cleared and the council said finding a contractor took longer than expected.

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Public halls committee chairman Roger Curry said: “The important thing is to get the job done properly because, after all, what we’re doing now is going to last several generations.

“It would have been nice to have it open for Christmas but these things are complicated and it’s proven impossible to do that.”

The council has appointed building contractor Knowles & Son, of Osney Mead, Oxford, to carry out the first phase of the redevelopment. It will include internal refurbishment work such as opening up the front area of the building. The toilets will be moved upstairs to create more space for storage and a kitchen.

The fixed stage and seating has been removed from the main hall to make it a more versatile space for organisations that use it.

The council has not yet revealed how much the first phase will cost but said it has the cash to fund it.

It has put Langdale Hall, in Langdale Gate, up for sale to help swell its coffers.

It is also looking at ways to raise money for the second phase at the Corn Exchange after a £1.8m bid from the Heritage Lottery was rejected in June. The second phase could include building a rear extension for a museum and meeting rooms.

Mr Curry added: “We’re very happy we’ve got the right contractor and confident they will do a first-class job.”

“It was a fantastic day to see the contractors move in and I’m very excited for it to open.

“A growing town like Witney, which has become an important regional centre, needs and deserves a proper, thriving arts and community centre.”

Town mayor Jeanette Baker said: “It has been a long road of disappointment and frustration, especially for past users of the Corn Exchange. We want the best job done in the least amount of time.”

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