AN iconic town centre building is being brought back to life as work takes place to create a series of restaurants and bars.

Our cameras got a glimpse of the development in the former old treasury building on Palmyra Square South which was previously used as the council’s finance department but was originally built as the Warrington Technical College in 1901.

The building will eventually be the future home to a series of restaurants and bars spread across three floors as part of the town centre's growing Cultural Quarter with work scheduled to be completed in late 2015.

Developer Jenson Investments and contractor Ryelaur have joined forces for the transformation of the Grade II listed building together with support from the council and building control team who are dealing with the building regulation aspects of the project.

Cllr David Keane, executive board member for environment and public protection, said: “The building has been empty for a few years now and this development is all part of an exciting cultural revolution and it is great to see.

“We had a really informative tour of the building and I am delighted to see the level of detail the builders are putting in to get this building refurbished and ready for use.

“This is all about providing more choice for people and providing something for everyone. This new development will complement what is already on offer in Palmyra Square and will of course help boost the local economy.

“It is also an interesting part of the council’s history and instead of standing empty it is great to see one of our former buildings being brought back to life within the community.”

To preserve the history of the building, the main stair enclosure is being re-furbished and repaired retaining all original features including the mosaic floors and oak panelling.

A new first floor extension will also be built to create more floor space and a new internal staircase put in.

A council spokesman added everyone who is working on the building is local and a lot of the restoration has been carried out by hand including washing and placing back in their original spaces some of the mosaic floor tiles which had become loose.

The original oak door frames have also been stripped and restored.