ONE of Skipton's most important auditoriums is set to close this weekend until the spring.

The closure is due to the major refurbishment Skipton Town Hall, which Craven District Council said remained on schedule.

The main hall is due to close for events after Saturday until spring, though Skipton Tourist Information Centre will be open as usual.

Craven Museum was already closed and will also reopen in the spring.

A council spokesman said it had succeeded in keeping the main hall open to the public during the early stages of the refurbishment, saying Bradford Brass Band had given 'a spectacular performance' earlier this month, while the Glusburn School of Theatre would perform ‘Getting to know the Sound of Music’ from today until Saturday. The last arts and crafts fair of 2014 would also take place this Saturday.

The spokesman said: "To enable events to go ahead, the council has improvised where necessary: The main entrance to the main hall has been at the back of the building. Portable heaters were brought in when the main heating system was turned off in preparation for the instalment of a new heating system in the basement.

"This new heating system, which will arrive early next year, and rewiring of the building will turn the town hall into a more energy-efficient building, thus cutting down on running costs. It will also allow for the subdivision of the building into separate entities, including stand-alone commercial units, and the main hall for public events.

"Preparations for this new lay-out are taking shape. The breeze block structure at the Jerry Croft side of the building has been demolished to make way for a modern addition incorporating disabled access into the building and a lift to the first-floor office space and council chamber. The foundations for this new structure are currently laid and the retaining wall is being built up to allow for an entrance ramp.

"Inside the town hall, builders have been demolishing dividing walls in order to improve the lay-out for the separate units.

"The refurbishment has now progressed to a point where hosting events in the building can no longer be accommodated. The main hall will briefly open its doors for the Skipton Music Festival in March, and officially reopen in April, when the refurbishment is completed."

The council is also in talks with a number of parties who have expressed interest in renting the commercial spaces.

Councillor Simon Myers, lead member on the town hall, said: “We are delighted with the level of interest expressed in the commercial letting units. It confirms our belief that Skipton Town Hall is a real asset, and the refurbishment will help us make the most of it. The letting units will provide an important source of revenue.”

The council are publishing a monthly newsletter about the refurbishment and redevelopment of the town hall. To subscribe, send an email to scallaghan@cravendc.gov.uk