ONE of Poole's most iconic landmarks has reopened after 16 years on the sidelines of public life.

The Grade 2 listed Guildhall in Market Street was once the hub of civic life, serving as a busy market place and as a registration service.

Now its time has come again, following a much needed £800,000 makeover.

The refurbishment was funded by Poole council and the good-as-new building - which dates back to 1761 - can now hold weddings, civil partnerships and other civic ceremonies.

To mark the opening, Poole's Superintendent Registrar Christine Stainton cut a replica wedding cake, as a dry run for the building's first wedding service.

Tomorrow Samantha Knight, 29, will marry 32-year-old Darren Sheen in the ceremony room, which can accommodate up to 120 guests.

Miss Knight, who is the daughter of Poole councillor Lou Knight, met her fiancé while working at the Co-op in Parkstone eleven years ago.

The couple have just returned from travelling around the world with Samantha's parents.

Christine Stainton said there had been an enthusiastic response to the move from Poole Council's current HQ at the Civic Centre annexe.

"We have already been fully booked on Saturdays from June until September. We have also booked a couple of civil partnerships as well," she said.

She added: "I was shown this building a couple of years ago and I thought it would be good to move the service here."

Conservation officers worked alongside English Heritage to ensure that restoration work retained the original character and fabric of the historic building.

Architect HGP Conservation was appointed by the property services to take on the challenge, while specialist analysis was carried out on the mortar, paint and plasters to ensure the work reflected the building's history.

The registration office will be open for business on weekdays and on Saturdays. To celebrate the opening, Poole council is inviting the public to a Guildhall open day on May 14.