Making it Official: Ceremony marks new home for city Registration Services

Credit: Derby City Council

Derby’s new Register Office was officially opened this week (12th February) in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark its new home.

The city’s births, marriages and deaths are now registered in a refurbished suite of rooms on the ground floor of Riverside Chambers.

Accessibility to the site has been a priority. Through the Transforming Cities Fund, the corner of Full Street and Derwent Street has undergone significant improvements. This includes a new dedicated pull-in space directly outside the entrance for wedding vehicles, and wider pedestrian and paving upgrades.

The move from Royal Oak House follows a Cabinet decision to declare that building surplus to requirements, allowing the Council to consolidate services into a modernised, central asset.

Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, Cabinet Member for Digital and Organisational Transformation, said: “The registration of a birth, a marriage, or the loss of a loved one represents a profound moment for our residents. It is essential that the Council provides a dignified and high-quality environment for these events, and Riverside Chambers delivers exactly that.

“By relocating these services into a dedicated ground-floor suite within this restored 1930s building, we are making the best use of our Council assets while providing a modern experience for our residents.

“The new ceremony suites provide a wonderful backdrop by the river, and the improved streetscape makes arrival more seamless. Situated so close to the revitalised Market Hall and our Cathedral Quarter, this move ensures our essential civic functions are at the very heart of a thriving Derby.”

The Register Office is now fully operational for all scheduled appointments and ceremonies.