TOWNELEY Hall was re-opening today (Saturday) after a six-week closure for an overhaul.

The historic hall has been closed since the start of 2014 for the installation of a new Natural History gallery and display, and to create a new exhibition gallery.

While the hall was closed, asbestos was also removed from non-public areas of the hall which had been identified in a survey of the building.

Mick Cartledge, director of community services at Burnley Council, said: “A routine management survey at Towneley, ahead of the new developments on the Natural History Gallery, identified some residue from previous asbestos removals.

“This is in the non-public areas of the hall, namely the cellars and boiler room. This was removed in the form of an environmental clean.”

To celebrate the re-opening, a new exhibition is launching this weekend.

Chris Fittock was born in London but has lived in Burnley for more than 20 years. His exhibition ‘The Izzard in Me’, explores gender identity and ideas of femininity and masculinity.

The exhibition opens in the Stocks Massey Gallery tomorrow (Sunday), in a special launch event between 2pm to 4pm.

The hall will be open from 12pm to 5pm Saturday to Wednesday, and 12.30pm to 5pm on Thursday.

Entry is free to children, students and Burnley residents, £4 to non-Burnley residents.