Derby Register Office in 'poor condition' and could be sold, report says

A register office and wedding venue in Derby city centre is set to be sold by the council because the authority says it is in a “poor condition” and requires costly repairs. Derby City Council is seeking a buyer for Royal Oak House and the surrounding offices in Market Place/Tennant Street, new documents released by the council state.

The venue has been used for years as a place to formally register births and deaths and couples can get married there too. But a new report about the current condition of the building has been published, saying it is in a bad state of repair.

The Labour-led council's cabinet will meet next week and is likely to declare Royal Oak House and the surrounding council-run offices “surplus to requirements”. The councillors will also seek permission “to sell the buildings as part of the council’s wider rationalisation of its property assets”.

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The plan is to move the council’s registration services department from Royal Oak House to available space at Riverside Chambers in Full Street – adjacent to the Council House. It is hoped this can be done as soon as next spring.

An option for the council to reinvest in Royal Oak House itself has been considered but "does not represent value for money" when compared to the level of investment required to relocate. The council says relocating will also help provide a new venue to attract loved-up couples.

The council will market Royal Oak House and the nearby offices at 30/31 Market Place as a single package using appointed agents, with instructions to focus on developers/organisations “looking to deliver a cultural and/or hospitality offer” - in line with the council's future vision of the Market Place being the heart of culture.

The report says: “There is a significant maintenance backlog at Royal Oak House which will require a high level of investment to enable the building to remain fit for purpose as a location for the council’s registration services. It has been identified as being in poor condition, requiring frequent and costly repairs and will require significant investment, in the roof and associated structures if the building is to be retained.

“The relocation of the service will enhance our service offer by providing a more modern and appealing environment that aligns with the standards of other popular wedding venues. The new space is designed to accommodate future growth as the local population expands, offering greater flexibility in how the space is utilised to meet evolving needs. Additionally, the facility is on a single level, ensuring full accessibility for all service elements and improving the overall experience for our customers.”

Labour cabinet members of Derby City Council will make a decision on the building and the potential relocation at the next cabinet meeting on Wednesday, December 4.