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29 Jun 07Mayor Opens Historic Guildhall
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Jeff Allen, has officially opened Poole's Guildhall in a ceremony to celebrate the restoration of one of the town's most historic and well-known landmarks.
The Grade 2 listed building, which dates back to the 18th Century, has been restored to its former glory by a major renovation project funded by Borough of Poole.
The council invested more than £800,000 to restore the Market Street building which stood empty for 16 years.
About 80 people, including councillors and members of the local business community, attended the special ceremony to mark the completion of the restoration work.
The Guildhall is now home to Borough of Poole's Registration Services and is providing a popular new venue for weddings, civil partnerships and other civic ceremonies.
The Mayor of Poole was presented with a pair of specially embroidered ring cushions which will be used in wedding ceremonies staged at the Guildhall.
One of the Guildhall's main features is a large ceremony room with space to accommodate 120 guests. An eye-catching staircase at the front of the building provides a grand backdrop for photographs.
Christine Stainton, Superintendent Registrar, Borough of Poole, said: "It's wonderful to see the Guildhall back in use and restored to its former glory. The response from the public has been overwhelming and the large ceremony room with its spectacular chandeliers, certainly provides a 'wow' factor."
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