A PICTURE framing business is preparing to move into a Grade II Listed building in the heart of Otley.

The Art Works is investing in a multi-thousand pound renovation of the former One Stop Centre's annexe, off Courthouse Street.

Based at Wharfebank Business Centre for more than 20 years, the company is aiming to move into its new home in late April.

Built in the late 19th or early 20th Century, the property was initially used as a council meeting house - complete with high windows to discourage eavesdroppers.

The Art Works, run by Martin Fisher and Barryjohn Fowler, is planning to make the most of such original features to create a 'light flooded' open-plan workshop and exhibition space.

Creative Director Mr Fisher said: "We want to make the space more than just a workshop - bringing together our craft with artists from across the country will make for an exciting destination.

"We want to make a space unlike a typical art gallery, and this will be a living, energetic space that we want people to enjoy."

Managing Director Mr Fowler said: "It’s a fantastic piece of architecture and what is incredible is that so many of the original features remain.

"We pulled up carpet tiles to reveal the parquet floor, and the original stained glass is still in place.

"With a bit of care it will once again be a beautiful building and an asset to the area."

He added that he was thrilled to be keeping the business in Otley, and to have gained the chance to move into such a 'fantastic' building.

The property was in later used as a local authority office to register local births, marriages and deaths.

It has stood empty for the past four years since the One Stop Centre, which faced onto Boroughgate, closed and its services moved to Otley Library.

Mr Fisher, meanwhile, is looking forward to taking on more framing challenges in an inspiring new environment.

He said: "We make frames to fit round what the client needs.

"That could be a set of sleek, corporate frames for an office, a piece of contemporary art painted on to scrap metal, sports memorabilia, collections, prized photos of loved ones, or canvases.

"We’ve never turned away a framing challenge yet and this is the ethos we are bringing to the new building – one of high quality craftsmanship, creativity and bringing out the best in a beautiful piece of architecture."