Registration Service returns to Banbury town centre after a gap of many years

Registrars are set to operate in Banbury again for the first time in many years thanks to work by the town and county councils to relocate elements of the countywide registration service’s north Oxfordshire component.

Registration services are currently located from Bodicote House in the village of Bodicote alongside Cherwell District Council’s headquarters. However, with the district council looking to move its headquarters to Castle Quay in Banbury a new home had to be found for the registrars.

Oxfordshire County Council and Banbury Town Council have agreed heads of terms to re-locate ceremonial services such as weddings and civil partnerships so that they will routinely take place in the town’s historic town hall. A legal agreement will follow. Ceremonies will be held on the first floor of the town hall providing an easily accessible location for everyone in north Oxfordshire.

It is scheduled that the move will be made by December 2024, ensuring that residents can seamlessly access essential registration services without disruption.

Banbury town hall will retain its capacity for civic and evening functions ensuring that such events can continue uninterrupted.

In due course registrar appointments (births, deaths and notices) will also move to Banbury town centre although a specific location has not been decided as yet.

Cllr Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “It’s been great to work with Banbury Town Council to bring a proportion of our registration services right into the heart of Banbury. It’s the ideal location and a great solution to an issue we knew we’d need to resolve sooner rather than later given Cherwell District Council’s plans.

“Our registration services touch the lives of people at milestone moments in their lives and is an important component of what we deliver at the county council. I look forward to the new arrangements taking shape and coming in to being in late 2024.”

Cllr Kieron Mallon of Banbury Town Council said: “The return of the registration service led ceremonies to Banbury is a cause for celebration. This is a very important service that delivers essential support at both the happy and the more difficult times in all of our lives. In recent months we’ve worked in close partnership with the county council to deliver this outcome and I am happy that it has come to fruition.

“This arrangement will also add to the vibrancy of the centre of the town centre overall and adds to the town hall itself. It's a testament to our commitment to meeting our residents' needs while delivering exceptional value."