PEOPLE wanting to register births, deaths or marriages in Stourbridge can now use the Thomas Robinson Building following its £1.2m refurbishment.

The Grade II-listed former Lye and Wollescote Chapels is now open to the public after the major 13-year restoration.

Built in 1879, the building is made up of two Victorian Gothic-style chapels and will now house the council’s Stourbridge registration office in one and a new wedding venue in the other.

Councillor Judy Foster, cabinet member for corporate and customer services, said: “This is not only a unique and stunning venue for weddings but a lovely and sensitive location for people to come to should they need to register a birth, death or wedding.

“I wish the venue every success in its inaugural year and beyond.”

The Wollescote Suite, which features much of the former chapel’s original architecture, is set to hold marriage parties for 60 people, offering wedding couples the options of a live web camera and souvenir DVD, choices of music and vows.

Costs for a civil wedding in the Wollescote Suite are £260 for a Friday ceremony, £360 Saturday and £525 for Sunday marriages.

Dudley Council will also use the building for citizenship ceremonies, naming ceremonies, civil partnership ceremonies and wedding vow renewals.

The registration office, which has moved from Stourbridge Library to the Cemetery Road building, is open for appointments from 9am until 4pm Monday to Friday, and 9am until noon on Saturdays.

To book an appointment to register a birth or death call Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345, or for all other registration matters call 01384 815373, or email register.office@dudley.gov.uk.