DORCHESTER’S historic Shire Hall has received a £1.5million funding boost.

West Dorset District Council (WDDC) and the London Dorchester Committee Trust (LDCT), which are working to convert the High West Street venue into a major visitor attraction, have secured investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Grade I listed building where Thomas Hardy sat as a magistrate and which famously hosted the Tolpuddle Martyrs trial in 1834 will undergo extensive renovation and conservation in a project that will also deliver new educational and training resources.

The project aims to bring to life the cases that were heard at the venue between 1800 and 1955 when it was a functioning court and cells.

The exhibitions will also explain how life in Dorset and the justice system have changed throughout the life of the building.

Leading figures involved in the project said they were delighted to receive the lottery grant.

West Dorset District Council leader Anthony Alford said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support.

“The Shire Hall is a truly unique building with a fascinating history that deserves to be opened up to residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Jon Murden, chair of the London Dorchester Committee Trust, said: “We are extremely pleased to have secured this investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund for Dorchester’s historic Shire Hall. It will secure the future of this internationally significant building and make sure that the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and the evolution of social justice in Dorset is interpreted and made accessible for generations of visitors to come.”

Nerys Watts, head of HLF South West, said: “This project will not only secure the future of this historic building and bring it back into the heart of the community but also provide a fascinating insight into the history and development of Dorchester’s crime, law and justice systems.

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we are delighted to support this project.”

WDDC will use the grant to complete the detailed design of changes to the building and the permanent exhibition.

Once the work is completed, WDDC will lease the building to LDCT who will operate it as a heritage attraction.

WDDC and LDCT aim to have the building open to the public by autumn 2017.

The project requires a total funding of £2.9m, which has so far been made up of £1.1m from WDDC and £100,000 from Dorset County Council in addition to the £1.5m grant from the HLF.

The remaining £200,000 is being sought from other organisations.