WORK has begun on the £1.6 million refurbishment of Skipton's Devonshire Hotel to turn it into a JD Wetherspoon pub.

And if everything goes to plan the pub, to be called The Devonshire, should open on March 7.

The contractors are Manchester firm Tarmac Development, who have previous experience of working on Wetherspoon pubs and listed buildings.

Workmen are currently stripping the building out and carrying out investigations into the building's special features such as the fireplace.

The idea is that the interior work will revive as many of the building's original features as possible.

Adrian Monger, one of the architects from Harrison Ince working on the project, said that a long programme of work lay ahead due to the building's listed status.

He added: "We are also cleaning the whole of the building, the stone, the roof will be repaired, the chimney stacks. Stone cleaning has to be done by a specialist."

In about a month's time work will start on the extension, which will eventually house the pub's bar and kitchen.

After the Christmas break, the bar will be installed and work will begin on the other floors and the new toilets.

The interiors of many Wetherspoon pubs are based around the history of the building or the locality. AFI, a company employed by Wetherspoon, have already starting delving into the history of the Devonshire.

Researcher and historian for the company, Ray Colvin, said their research may entail assistance from the local history and civic society and the town library.

Mr Monger said that he was not expecting any major problems to crop up in the work at the Devonshire but added: "The building has turned into a bit of a state. It has stood empty for three years so you never can tell what you are going to find."

To the front of the building, the existing car park will be removed to make way for a seating area which will be separated from the pavement by Georgian bollards.

There will also be a new sign at the front of the building, which will be lit up at nights.

The contractors moving in to the hotel marks the culmination of three years' wrangling between Wetherspoon, local planners and the council.

The pub group was given the official go-ahead in June but only after twice having its application refused and twice having it withdrawn because planners felt they were not treating the historical building with enough sensitivity.

The converted pub will create up to 35 full and part-time jobs and these will be advertised locally. It is expected that the pub will start pulling in about £25,000 a week.

A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon said the pub was aimed at a cross section of people.

He added: "This company has a very good reputation for offering good quality food and drink with a wide range of beers. This was obviously an established hotel in town and once it opens I think people will be very impressed."