Neath Port Talbot Council’s Register Office has undertaken a major transformation, offering customers new online services and moving to a modernised building.

The Register Office is responsible for registering all births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships in Neath Port Talbot.

The move to its new home at the Neath Civic Annexe on Forster Road in Neath town centre, follows a decision by the Council to make the best possible use of its buildings through reducing running costs and providing modernised services to residents.

The new venue is within close proximity to local public transport links, with Neath train station and bus station just a short walk away. There is also a 600 capacity multi storey car park for guests who choose to drive to the venue.

The intimate ‘statutory marriage room’ has capacity for up to 30 guests. The room can also be used for Citizenship Ceremonies and Civil Partnership Ceremonies as well as renewal of vows and baby naming ceremonies. All rooms at the Neath Civic Annexe have level access which are ideal for disabled or elderly guests.

The venue is situated between two of the county borough’s scenic parks, Gnoll Country Park and Victoria Gardens, which gives customers a perfect backdrop for post ceremony photographs. Victoria Gardens has a Victorian bandstand and seasonal flower bed displays, with Gnoll Park offering 200 acres of woodlands, ponds and open spaces.

Councillor Doreen Jones, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Equality, said: “This move is part of the Council’s wider plan to make the best possible use of its buildings.

“The Neath Civic Annexe offers an affordable service for residents with great public transport links. It also has the added advantage of being on the door step of two picturesque parks which are ideal locations for photographs.”

The move coincides with the Register Office’s revamped webpages and new online services.

Customers can now order birth, death and marriage certificates online via www.npt.gov.uk/registrars.

The easy to use search process allows people to find out if the record is held at the Neath Port Talbot Register Office, with records dating back as far as 1st July 1837.

The contact details for the Register Office are: 01639 760021 / 760020 / 760022.

Opening times are Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 4.30pm and Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm.