COUNCILLORS have approved funding of £470,000 to go towards the second phase of the refurbishment of the historic King George VI building.

The property is made up of a masonic hall, which was built in 1758 and is one of the oldest purpose-built lodges still in use in the world, and the original Port Town Hall, which was constructed a few years later.

The plan to preserve the Port Glasgow building is estimated to cost £1,435,000.

The council set aside £1m towards the project and phase one, making the building wind and watertight and replacing the electrics, has progressed to tender with an estimated cost of £530,000.

The Council’s Environment and Regeneration Committee agreed that residual funding be retained for use in phase 2.

Phase two includes the alteration, refurbishment and extension of the building to suit the business plan of Rig Arts.

The stage 2 application for funding has been submitted and it is anticipated that if approved the funding and residual £470,000 from the council will be used.

Councillors at a recent meeting of the environment and regeneration committee approved the use of the residual council funding for the project.