VIDEO: Watch the opening of the Archway Beauty Clinic and Salon under Market Square's historic arches

Archway Beauty Clinic and Spa opened on Friday, on a site that has formerly been a Georgian jail, Victorian court offices and a storage facility used to store classified documents during the Second World War.

It has been refurbished as part of a programme of works by the Council to generate income from Old County Hall. Other parts of the building have been transformed into business offices and exhibition and meeting space.

The cellars were originally part of a private residence belonging to a William Benson, who rented them to local constables to hold their prisoners. In 1723 the land was sold and the famous landmark that still stands today was constructed. At this point the space was used by court clerks, while more latterly the rooms have been used as storage.

By the time lead officer David Pearce became involved in 2014, the cellars were in a bad state of repair.

"It was dark and gloomy and full of old documents which hadn't been touched in decades," he said. "It was such a wasted space, but with a bit of imagination it was easy to see how it could be brought back into valuable use again.

“After a lot of hard work, the space is now light and airy, with all the modern-day features you would expect, while retaining its historic character.”

The spa’s four treatment rooms are entered via steel clad cell doors which were saved from the old police station in Exchange Street when it was demolished last year, while radiators and brass door furniture have been recycled from the County Offices opposite New County Hall in Walton Street.