Contractors Speller Metcalfe have been appointed by Herefordshire Council to undertake the long-awaited refurbishment of the 15th Century Master’s House, on St Katherine’s car park.

Ledbury residents will be able to meet the team, view the plans and discuss any concerns at an open evening at the site on Monday, October 17, from 3pm to 7pm.

Herefordshire Council and the Ledbury Localities Group plan to turn the mediaeval building into a hub for council services, including a new library for the town and a customer services centre.

Matthew Bailey, Speller Metcalfe’s quantity surveyor said: “Actual construction work will commence on site on Monday October 17, with Phase 1 of the works, the refurbishment of the west side of the building, due for completion by March 2012.

“During our time on site we will endeavour to ensure the minimum of disruption. A large percentage of the construction team are Ledbury residents and as such they understand the ongoing concerns over the impact that these works may have on the surrounding area, public and local businesses.

“In particular we have made arrangements that the existing car parking in St. Katherine’s will be unaffected during the course of Phase 1.”

Roger Phillips, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for enterprise and culture, said: “At a time when many local authorities have to close libraries due to government spending cuts, we remain fully committed to providing this service which is much valued by the local community."

Herefordshire Council has committed more than £2million towards the project and has also submitted a bid the Heritage Lottery Fund for funds towards restoring the medieval part of the grade II* listed building.

Once completed, the building will be a Services Hub from which statutory and voluntary sector organisations, to serve the local community in Ledbury.

The Master’s House will include a library, registrar’s service and ceremony space, localities office, customer services centre and office space for Ledbury Community Voluntary Action.

Originally, the Master’s House was the home of the manager of St Katherine’s hospital and alms houses, over 500 years ago.