Next phase of life begins for Warwick's Old Shire Hall

The Old Shire Hall, which is on Northgate Street, is a Grade I- listed building owned by Warwickshire County Council.

The Hall and Judges’ House were used by the judiciary since the 1750s. The building has been mainly unused except for civic and ceremonial events since the courts moved to Leamington in 2010.

In April 2016 Warwickshire County Council agreed to set up a hospitality company, which will operate as an ‘arms length’ company for events and venue management over 10 years.

The future of the hall was secured in March after the plans to transform it into an events venue were approved by Warwick District Council.

It is currently unknown when the planned works to transform the building will be completed.

To kick off the next phase in the life of the historical building, the hall will be hosting a wedding fair on Sunday April 9 from 11am to 3pm.

More than 20 local wedding suppliers will be available on the day, and it will also provide an opportunity for members of the public to view the venue itself.

Kushal Birla, head of customer service at Warwickshire County Council, said: “We are thrilled to be able to showcase our unique building and its beautiful rooms as part of the wedding fair.

“Many people may be familiar with the building as the previous home to Warwick Crown Court, and we are delighted we can conserve and protect the building as part of its exciting future as an events venue.”

The council is working in partnership with Wild View Events to host the wedding fair. For more information about the wedding fair visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/oshweddings