A REVITALISED relic from Dunmow s prestigious past is set to give added value to the High Street by becoming a host building for weddings. The Maltings, on Mill Lane, has transformed over the last 16 years. From a derelict empty shell associated with th

A REVITALISED relic from Dunmow's prestigious past is set to give "added value to the High Street" by becoming a host building for weddings.

The Maltings, on Mill Lane, has transformed over the last 16 years. From a derelict empty shell associated with the old Dunmow brewery industry to what is now a bright and nostalgic setting for the Dunmow museum (on the bottom floor) and The Maltings events, conference, and education centre.

In an effort to complete this rags to riches tale, The Maltings Preservation Trust, led by chairman Barbara Ball, has successfully applied to make the building into a weddings venue - for civil ceremonies and also civil partnerships.

It is hoped that cash raised by holding such ceremonies will help fund the upkeep of the building.

Trustee Mike Thomason explained: "The cost of maintaining this beautiful building is expensive. The trust however has been set up to look after and preserve it to ensure that it remains a valuable asset to the town. We have been considering several ways in which its financial future could be secured.

"One of the ideas was to apply for a wedding license and this was granted by Essex County Council in October last year.

"Since then a tremendous amount of work has been achieved to transform it into a unique, enchanting and intimate venue for ceremonies.

He added: "We believe that as well as being a successful business venture for the Maltings it will also provide considerable added value to the high street in attracting more visitors to the town.

"The building will also continue to enhance the town by providing a desirable facility to the wider community."

The first of two weddings already arranged is on March 6 and the debut couple, project manager Esther Rowland, 33, and environment officer Peter Cooke, 33, have already featured in the Saturday Times newspaper. It was revealed that the wedding will cost just �3000, including the bride's dress valued at �250.

The couple will be having their reception at Thaxted's guildhall and will honeymoon for two weeks in the US.

- IF you are interested in weddings at the Maltings, Carolyn Thomason has taken on role of wedding coordinator. For information on packages call 01371 873381.

The Malting's website provides history details and a list of what else it has to offer, visit www.greatdunmowmaltings.co.uk