Architects working on the £10.6 million Shrewsbury Music Hall restoration today vowed to return the historic building to its former glory for the enjoyment of generations to come.

Work is due to start soon on the restoration of the building, which is situated at the heart of the town square.

Contractors will carefully strip back the modern parts of the complex to unveil the hidden treasures contained within the listed buildings which make up the town’s old theatre.

Vaughan’s mansion, originally a Norman defensive house, will be the central focus and will be fully restored, facing a new café area. The old Music Hall itself will be restored to enhance the classical details.

Award-winning, international architectural practice Austin-Smith: Lord will carry out the restoration of the Music Hall, working closely with the borough and county council.

Sophie Teague, associate at the firm, said: “This beautiful set of buildings, at the centre of Shrewsbury and Shropshire, will be brought into the public realm, restored to their former glory and back into the heart of the community.”

Councillor Charles Armstrong, borough portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: “It is easy to forget that the Music Hall is not just for outside visitors but also, like the Old Market Hall, will become a hub of activity for the residents of Shrewsbury and Shropshire as a whole.”

The town’s theatre staff have now moved to the new £28 million Theatre Severn, leaving the Grade II Music Hall and Grade II* Vaughan’s Mansion vacant for the delicate restoration works.