City Hall to close for renovation

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6214550.stm

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Belfast City Hall will close next summer for major renovations.

The 100-year-old building will shut its doors completely for about two years to facilitate refurbishment, which includes electrical and plumbing work.

A council spokesperson said weddings and civil partnership ceremonies due to take place at the City Hall before 1 July 2007 would go ahead as planned.

The Registry Office is writing to all couples due to be married after the building closes to make arrangements.

According to the council, the work has already been postponed twice - most recently for the centenary celebrations.

Council meetings will probably be held in new offices in Adelaide Street, however, the council said that has still to be confirmed.

Further details, including arrangements for the registration of births and deaths, during the renovation period will be published on the council's website at a later date.

In August, the BBC reported that the work could cost in the region of £10m and may include repairs to the roof.

Sources also said that asbestos would have to be removed from the building.