Bosses behind the two-and-a-half year restoration of a historic town hall say they “wanted to do it justice” as it prepares to open today (Saturday).

Work started on the Grade I-listed Maison Dieu in Dover in 2022 after a £4.27 million grant was secured from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Now the 13th century site will welcome visitors today - the first time it will be permanently open to the public in its 800-year history.

The extensive renovations have restored the building's original features and improved access with a new street-level entrance on Biggin Street and an internal lift.

The 800-year-old site, which began life as a medieval chapel before becoming a pilgrims' hospital, 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.

But now the building has been transformed into a cultural and heritage centre, with touch-screen interactive displays, films and audio points.

The site, which is free to enter and open seven days a week, features stunning interiors created by 19th century architect William Burges.

The centre’s giant Connaught Hall plus the Stone Hall and council chamber will host a range of community events and be available to hire for private occasions.

These will include conferences, meetings, parties or weddings.

Funding has also come from Dover District Council (DDC), Dover Town Council, The Dover Society and The Wolfson Foundation.

Paul Wells, from civic group The Dover Society, said the group was “concerned about the state of the building” before the restoration, which has cost £10.5m.

“It was looking very tired, worn out, the gutters were leaking and paint was peeling off the walls,” he said.

“We wanted to do it justice for the town, because it's a major historical asset.

“There are so many assets in Dover this will add to, the Western Heights, Dover Castle, the White Cliffs and the Roman Painted House.

“The town is full of history, so it is just another pull into the town, for tourists and residents.”

The scheme includes a new cafe in the former Victorian gaol cells, with the original cells used as cosy little dining rooms for small groups.

DDC leader Cllr Kevin Mills (Lab) said the site is “completely different to how it was before”.

“We've had to do all the decoration and make sure it's watertight,” he said.

“Every time we found a problem, we found another problem then we had to put in new heating systems and brand-new kitchens.

“It's a complete and utter revamp of the whole building and now it's much more attractive.

“We should consider all options for utilising this, particularly for the people of this district, but also for people from further afield, so they can come down.

“Where else could cruise liners come with this amount of history? If you're American, actually it predates America.”

Guided tours will be offered and events hosted will include live music, festivals and wrestling matches.

During this weekend’s opening visitors will be able to meet the team behind the project to find out about the restoration and speak to costumed characters.

They can also watch drama, dance and music performances and take part in and craft activities, plus mini archaeological digs.

The Maison Dieu’s opening times are Mondays to Fridays from 9.30am to 3.30pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm

For all enquiries, email maison.dieu@dover.gov.uk or visit the website.