Derby’s register office could move to new premises, if proposals to sell the city centre building are approved.
Cabinet members will be asked to allow plans to dispose of Royal Oak House and adjacent buildings at 30 and 31a Market Place when they meet in December.
The city’s births, marriages and deaths are currently registered at Royal Oak House on the corner of the Market Place. The building, which dates back to 1890, needs significant investment if it is to remain suitable as a location for the Council’s registration services.
If plans to sell the building are approved, registration services could relocate to an empty suite of rooms on the ground floor of Riverside Chambers. Riverside Chambers is currently home to the Council’s Local Studies Library and managed office space, operated under the Council’s Connect brand.
Some refurbishments would be required to the space to create two ceremony rooms and waiting areas. Relocation to Riverside Chambers will allow the launch of a new wedding offer by the Council with an improved setting for wedding ceremonies and photo opportunities by the River Derwent.
Recent Transforming Cities roadworks on the corner of Full Street and Derwent Street, have created a pull in space for wedding cars immediately outside the building, as well as improvements in the local streetscape area.
Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance, said: “Registration services play a crucial role in marking significant life events for citizens. It’s important that we continue to provide high-quality services that allow residents to register deaths in a dignified and respectful environment and to celebrate births and marriages in buildings that are accessible to everyone.
“In a challenging financial environment, we need also to explore the most effective and cost-efficient methods to deliver services and make the best use of our buildings.”
The buildings at 30/31a Market Place have been empty for a number of years and the Council has no plans for them. They will be separated from the adjoining Guildhall during its refurbishment to allow for their eventual disposal.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, added: “The sale of Royal Oak House and 30/31a Market Place could provide a great opportunity for buyers to bring them back into use as hospitality venues, complementing the restoration of the historic Guildhall Theatre and the wider Market Place regeneration work.”
