THE building which formerly housed The Whitehaven News offices is set to be renovated by the town council - but these pictures show what it looks like ahead of the transformation.

When walking into the office building, which dates back to the 19th century, there is a main reception with a small office to the side; this area is currently occupied by the council.

Going through the door, a small set of steps leads to a room that has been used for a number of years for the talking newspaper.

Whitehaven News: The room which is now used for the talking newspaper The room which is now used for the talking newspaper (Image: Newsquest)

This is where audio recordings are taken of the weekly newspaper for people who are blind, so they can still hear the local news.

In the other direction is an empty basement, on the next floor is the former editor's office, and to the outside is the secretary's space.

Whitehaven News: The cellar The cellar (Image: Newsquest)

On the other side of this floor is the old press room, which spans quite a large space.

The upper floor takes a real step into the past as it has been largely untouched for more than a century.

Some of the original features including window seats, fireplaces, and a pully are still a part of the building.

Gerard Richardson, who has studied the history of the building, said: "This main part of the building has been exclusive to The Whitehaven News since about 1834.

Whitehaven News: The former press room The former press room (Image: Newsquest)

"It's a tremendous old building covering four floors, including a cellar... the scale of the building makes it of little use as a house. 

"Its location and the fact it doesn't have car parking makes it problematic for someone taking it over exclusively as office space.

Whitehaven News: The space formerly used by the editor's secretary The space formerly used by the editor's secretary (Image: Newsquest)

"But as a multi-use, multi-functional building led by the town council, it's a cracker.

"Their plans are to not only bring it in for their own use but also to expand on the community use, such as the talking newspapers. 

"There are rooms upstairs which they'll develop as the main council chamber which will also be available for hire. 

Whitehaven News: The revolving door leading to the dark room The revolving door leading to the dark room (Image: Newsquest)

"The long-term plan is to convert some of the unused space into offices which can then be rented out as an income for the council."

Whitehaven News: The upper floor with the original fireplace and pully system The upper floor with the original fireplace and pully system (Image: Newsquest)