ONE of Yorkshire's finest Georgian buildings and most glamorous locations is set to become the focal point for weddings and other civil ceremonies undertaken by Calderdale Council.
Newly-restored Somerset House in Halifax town centre is said by Catharine Parkinson, group director of corporate services, to be a "superior location'' to Carlton Street which recorded 274 marriages in the last financial year.
The 18th century bui
lding is being restored in a £2m project, the highlight of which has been the Grand Salon being returned to its original splendour.
The rococo plasterwork, one of the finest examples of its kind is thought to be the work of Italian craftsman Giuseppe Cortese.
Since 1901 the house's glorious façade has been hidden from view by a row of four shops. But now the house is getting ready to welcome brides
In a report for members of the council Cabinet ,Mrs Parkinson says the number of marriages taking place at Carlton Street has declined but "it is hoped that using Somerset House as the primary location for ceremonies will reverse that trend by attracting more people from within and outside the borough.
"A marketing campaign will be commenced shortly to publicise the renovation of Somerset House in an effort to raise awareness of the existence of this beautiful facility.''
Her report will be discussed by councillors on September 15.
Earlier this year the first tenants moved into the Grade II-listed Georgian mansion and the former Halifax cloth exchange once again hummed to the sound of commerce.
Building work on the Rawson Street site started in May following the signing of a development agreement with Calderdale Council.
The difficult project of bringing an historic jewel into the 21st century slowly began to be realised by developer Chris Turczak, a prominent businessmen in the town.
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