AN 18th Century mansion will be brought back to life as an events and art exhibition venue, complete with cafe and restaurant, under ambitious new restoration proposals.

Sherborne House Trust 2018 has submitted a planning application to revive the Grade I-listed building after months of work behind the scenes.

The house has been largely empty since the closure of Lord Digby’s School for Girls in 1992, with a huge amount of restoration work required before it can open its doors to the public.

The trust is seeking to transform the building into an events and art exhibition venue. The building is also set to include flexible office space, artists’ studios and artisan workshops, while a contemporary multi-function rear extension is also being proposed.

The trust has been liaising with Historic England and Dorset Council to secure support for the proposals.

It has also been engaging with prospective business partners on the hospitality and events side and it is hoped Dorset Visual Arts, the organiser of Dorset Arts Weeks, will make the venue its home.

The trust hopes the project will secure the long-term financial viability of the house, and has put together an experienced professional team, including Dorset based SPASE Design, Forum Heritage Services, Keystone Historic Buildings Consultants, and accredited conservation engineers, Mann Williams and QODA, to ensure the restoration work is carried out sympathetically.

Chris Mitchell from the Sherborne House Trust 2018 said: “We believe this application reflects the works required to bring Sherborne House back to long term, secure and viable use.

"It represents the best possible opportunity to bring the heritage asset off the Buildings at Risk register. We’re extremely excited and once the extensive restoration has been completed, we hope this magnificent building will be an integral part of the town again.”

Friends of Sherborne House spokesman, Jeremy Barker, added: “The trust’s plan to transform this magnificent building is a triumph for the local community. The Friends have been campaigning for over 20 years for the restoration of Sherborne House and we look forward to giving the project our full support.”

Jem Main, creative director for Dorset Visual Arts said: “We’re excited by the opportunity to develop a high quality and wide-ranging arts programme at Sherborne House.

"We look forward to being involved in the trust’s ambitious plans to restore and expand the potential of this special building and its grounds architecturally, culturally and sustainably for the benefit of the town, county and region.”