One of the borough’s most historic buildings is set to be sold off to raise an estimated £1.5m for the council.

Kingston Register Office has been the place to register hundreds of births, deaths and marriages for generations but the office is set to close its doors for good by August 2015 at the very earliest. 

Surrey Comet:

The Victorian building 

Its services will be moved to the newly-refurbished former magistrates’ courts in Guildhall’s basement.

James Hanson-McCormick married his partner Joseph last year in what was one of the borough’s first same-sex marriage ceremonies.

He said: “I think it will be really sad to see it close. Our wedding was amazing. It was in such a cute little room. The whole building feels like a little haven in the middle of Kingston. The Guildhall just won’t have the same personal touch or privacy.”

Surrey Comet:

James and Joseph Hanson-McCormick on their wedding day 

Chessington couple Carol Price, 61, and Paul Price, 63, tied the knot 42 years ago and also renewed their vows nearly a decade ago at the Victorian-era register office.

Mrs Price said: “Both times were the happiest days of my life. It makes me feel a bit sad – it is a bit of history ripped apart.”

People have shared their memories of the office on Facebook since the “for sale” sign went on display.

Sue Robinson said: “Such a shame, it was a lovely building for weddings and great pic opportunities on that staircase.

“Registering births is an exciting thing to do and [you] would feel an occasion in there.

“Registering deaths is a hard thing to do but the building made it feel the right place to be doing it. Can’t imagine for one minute the Guildhall will hold the same charisma for any of those events.”

Peter Mott said: “So we get married in a basement, and the original building gets turned into posh flats no one can afford? I’m certain they won’t be affordable rent flats.”

King Hussein of Jordan and his Queen once attended a wedding at Kingston Register Office in April 1976.

Kingston Council is currently going through bids submitted by potential buyers.

The 9,300sq ft building can be used as living or office space subject to planning allowances and is expected to be sold off by August 2015.

Surrey Comet:

Paul and Carol Price on the day they renewed their vows 

Isabelle Garner, from GVA Grimley, which is managing the sale for the council, said: “[We asked for offers] in excess of £1.5m but it did pretty well.

“There was a lot of residential interest.”