CONTRACTORS have started to remove scaffolding that has covered one of Darlington's most iconic buildings for several months, as a million-pound plus renovation project nears completion.

The former Mechanics Institute will re-open in mid-November as The Keys bar and nightclub.

Mistell Limited, which owns The Keys venues in Yarm and Middlesbrough, has put more than £1m into renovating the Skinnergate property

Paul Rowntree, former head chef at the Yarm venue, has been overseeing the restoration of the Victorian building and has been delighted with progress.

At the height of the renovation work, as many as 40 contractors were working on the building.

Bosses now say the upmarket bar – which will also feature a restaurant and night club – will now support as many as 80 full-time, part-time and casual jobs, a slight reduction on earlier estimates of up to 100.

Mr Rowntree will be involved in the day-to-day running of the Darlington bar and welcomed applications from people interested in working there.

The building's iconic facade is being exposed once again, after a detailed programme of work including removal of loose and bad repairs to existing stone, new lead to the roof, repairs to windows and decoration using micro-porous paint that will help reduce future decay.

As well as the interior fit-out, which is progressing, work will shortly begin to make good the lower part of the entrance area, including a new ramp and steps.