Fresh images have been released following the £10.5 million renovation of a centuries-old town hall.

Coniston, the main contractor for the ambitious project of the historic Maison Dieu in Dover, officially completed the work this week and returned the Grade I-listed building to Dover District Council (DDC).

The extensive renovations have not only restored the building's original features but also improved accessibility with a new street-level entrance on Biggin Street and an internal lift.

The 800-year-old Maison Dieu, which began life as a medieval chapel before becoming a pilgrims' hospital in the 13th century, has been at the heart of Dover’s civic life for centuries.

It later served as the town hall and even housed a prison from 1835 to 1878, where defendants faced harsh Victorian justice.

Now, the building has been transformed into a cultural and heritage centre set to reopen in May this year.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a range of new and restored features.

The old Dover Town Gaol area has been converted into a cafe, with the original prison cells now cosy private dining rooms.

The adjacent former visitor information centre has been turned into a larger dining space, while other parts of the jail will be let out to commercial enterprises.

Connaught Hall, the largest part of the Maison Dieu, has been returned to its “former glory”.

The grand room has long been used for events such as concerts, public meetings, tea dances, election counts, and even wrestling matches - and several of these are expected to make a comeback.

Weddings and private functions will also be hosted in the hall when it reopens.

The council chamber, which was used for local government meetings from the 1850s until 1974, has been restored and will now be available for smaller events and wedding ceremonies.

The courtroom, with its original fixtures and fittings, will be preserved for public debates and may double as a bar during events.

Leader of DDC, Cllr Kevin Mills, described the restoration as the council’s “biggest project to date”.

“We are delighted to have the Maison Dieu back and are working hard on the final key touches ahead of the May opening,” he said.

“The amount of work by all those involved is quite simply staggering.

“Come May, the Maison Dieu will once again be the heartbeat of Dover, playing a central role in the future of the town as a leading heritage and cultural centre in Kent.”

Restoration work began in autumn 2022 and involved the removal and storage of around 40,000 historic artefacts, including paintings, military colours, and arms and armour from the Royal Armouries.

The project also included the meticulous restoration of interior designs by the renowned Victorian architect William Burges, whose distinctive style can be seen in the building’s striking ceilings and stained-glass windows.

The ambitious project has been funded by a £4.27 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional contributions from DDC, Dover Town Council, The Dover Society, and the Wolfson Foundation.

While the building is structurally ready, preparations are still underway ahead of the May reopening.

Furniture, artwork, and historical artefacts need to be reinstated, new staff require training, and the bar and catering facilities need to be stocked and tested.

Once open, the Maison Dieu will offer guided tours and a packed events programme featuring live music, festivals, and community events.

Cllr Mills added: “We can’t wait to welcome the community in to see the transformation that has taken place to bring this magnificent building back to life.”

The original private mayor’s parlour is also expected to be converted into a holiday let, providing another source of income for the site.