Barking & Dagenham Council has moved its registry office to the grade II-listed Woodlands House, in Rainham Road.
The switch ends a 49-year run of registering births, deaths and marriages at Arden House, in Longbridge Road.
Despite having served as a hostel for old people and as a children’s home, Woodlands House now boasts modernised facilities as it becomes a registry service.
Council leader Liam Smith said the move would allow the council to meet residents’ needs in a better way.
“Woodlands has been a home to many in this borough, and it is encouraging to see how such a historic and beautiful building, which is very much a part of our heritage, continues to provide essential services for years to come,” he said.
The City of London Corporation is about to buy Barking Power Station site in east London for around £125 million, according to Property Week.
A £25 million grant for Barking and Dagenham Council will help it support new housebuilding over the next four years.
Councillor Darren Rodwell, the leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, has welcomed the decision to approve the proposed Beam Park…