ESSEX law firm Ellisons Solicitors has become the first local business to book an event at Colchester’s new arts and conference venue, firstsite.

Ellisons’ managing partner, Guy Longhurst, struck the deal with firstsite’s commercial director, Wayne Warner, after getting his first glimpse inside the new landmark building at an Ellisons-sponsored business breakfast held in the venue’s giant foyer.

Colchester-based Ellisons, which also has offices in Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton-on-Sea and Dovercourt, near Harwich, plans to hold a number of meetings in firstsite’s function rooms, which are now open for business bookings from next autumn, The law firm also plans to hold its 2011 Christmas party at the venue.

Mr Warner said: “Bookings are already coming in for our business facilities and we are delighted that Ellisons is the first in the queue.”

Mr Longhurst added: “We are proud of the firm’s long association with firstsite and felt it was right to demonstrate our confidence in the project and its future by being the first to sign up to use its business facilities.

“As a firm we are proud to have influenced the business and cultural development of Colchester for over two centuries and we aim to continue to do so.”

Firstsite is now taking business bookings for conferences, events, product promotions and other commercial events from September 2011. For details, call 0800 881 5696.

A programme of behind the scenes tours is now booked out until the New Year. Tours in 2011 can be booked at www.firstsite.uk.net .