READING Town Hall is set to become the borough’s new venue for weddings as the council looks to sell off Yeomanry House.

The register office in Castle Hill currently houses the Berkshire Family History Society and the authority's births, marriages and deaths team who will also be moved if the plans are approved.

A number of other public buildings, including a former day centre in Amethyst Lane and the Caversham Centre will be disposed of as Reading Borough Council tries to balance its budget.

Work at the town hall will create a new purpose-built venue for ceremonies and office staff are set to move into the Civic Offices in Bridge Street.

A specialist storage space for some of the borough's birth, marriage and death records, known as a strong room, will also be installed at Reading Crematorium in Caversham.

Council leader Cllr Jo Lovelock said: "There are a number of issues with that building [Yeomanry House].

"It is particularly unsuitable for access for people with disabilities because they have to go up a narrow case and because of its listed status it is very difficult to get a lift in.

"We expect to bring in capital receipts from the sale but there will also be savings for us on the revenue front.

"If we are not having to pay heating, business rates on as many buildings then that also helps."

Councillors will be asked to approve the plans at next week's policy committee which include £2.5m worth of capital spending to renovate the town hall to allow savings in the long run.