Acklam Hall in Middlesbrough reopens following renovation

The Grade I listed building has undergone a complex 18 month renovation restoring dozens of its rooms and features to their original grandeur.

The multi-million pound redevelopment, by Acklam Hall Limited, has seen the complete restoration of the building, which dates back to the 1680s and was home to Teesside's Hustler family for almost 250 years, before becoming a school in the 1930s.

Acklam Hall is now home to a restaurant, The Brierley, function suites for weddings and other special events, serviced offices and a number of conference and meeting room facilities.

The Brierley is named after the architect Walter Brierley who designed the alterations to Acklam Hall in 1912.

Other notable rooms in include The Drawing Room with its spectacular ceiling and views of Middlesbrough's famous 'Avenue of Trees',The Parlour, which will be used for private dining and civil ceremonies, and The Boudoir, which will be used for smaller celebrations and functions.

The re-development of the 17th Century building has so far created over 20 new jobs in Middlesbrough as well as opportunities for local suppliers.

Acklam Hall history:

• Middlesbrough's only Grade I listed building, built in the 1680s

• Hustler family home for more than 200 years.

• 1935 - the Middlesbrough Corporation converted Acklam Hall into a school and opened to boys.

• Acklam Hall was extended and developed over subsequent decades.

• In September 1967 Acklam Hall Grammar School merged with Kirby Girls' Grammar School to form the co-educational Acklam High School.