A historic Grade II-listed mansion at Roundhay Park in Leeds has reopened to the public for the first time in six years, following the completion of a multi-million pound restoration scheme.

Work on the refurbishment of The Mansion, which now boasts a new café restaurant and a grab-and-go deli operated by Dine, formed part of a wider £8m project led by Leeds City Council (LCC) at the 700-acre (283.2-hectare) Roundhay Park. The building will also be used as a wedding venue.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) contributed £6.3m towards the overall scheme, which has also included the opening of a new visitor and education centre and a shop in a bid to make the park a more attractive place for families to visit.

Restoration work at The Mansion, which was built in 1811 before being acquired for the people of Leeds in 1871, has included the repair of original features such as the beech wood dance floors, wall panelling and the stone staircase at the centre of the building.

LCC executive member with responsibility for leisure, John Procter, said: "This building has been here for almost 200 years. Six years ago it was in a very serious state of disrepair and there were very real concerns for its future.

"Now, thanks to the partnership between the council, the HLF and our business partner, Dine, The Mansion has been thrown a lifeline. The building is now fully occupied, open to the public and restored to its former glory as a grand and historic building here for future generations to enjoy."