Rockliffe Hall Hotel in Darlington secures extended wedding licence amid major redevelopment plans

Bill Edgar

15 November 2024 at 0:42 pm·2-min read

The prestigious Rockliffe Hall Hotel has successfully had its wedding licence renewed for an additional three years.

The application was given the green light by Darlington Borough Council during a licensing committee convening on Tuesday.

Set in Hurworth, near Darlington, Rockliffe Hall filed to extend its existing licence before its expiry on November 24.

A council document highlighted: "Rockliffe Hall Hotel is a five-star hotel attracting couples for weddings nationwide and internationally and has an important role to play in the local economy. The hotel has several bookings for weddings for 2025 and 2026 and considers weddings an important part of its business."

Typically, civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies are held in the Orangery, Morning Room, or the Rockliffe Suite, with the hotel hosting just one ceremony per day. Rockliffe Hall has already settled a £1,750 charge with the council for the licence renewal.

This extended licence is valid until November 2027. This news coincides with the announcement of a significant revamp for the hotel and venue earlier this week.

Two planning submissions were introduced recently; the first outlines plans for a new pavilion, envisioned to accommodate a landmark restaurant under the helm of James Close, who previously garnered two Michelin stars at Raby Hunt Restaurant. The second focuses on refurbishing the hotel’s storied Grade II-listed Old Hall.

According to a planning statement: "To complement the new pavilion, the Old Hall project will include the transformation of The Ora The proposed enhancements to the Orangery and its kitchen are set to transform it into the main resort restaurant, further elevating Rockliffe Hall’s culinary offerings under the guidance of Close's expertise.

"The proposed improvements underscore our commitment to positioning Rockliffe Hall as a leading luxury destination, placing the North East of England firmly on the international hospitality map while enhancing its value as a regional asset," stated Shauna Robb, General Manager.

Subject to approval, the renovations are scheduled to commence in February 2025 and be completed by December 2025.

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