Designed as a ‘model’ magistrates’ court for HM Court Service (HMCS) the £15.5 million development is arranged over three floors – a total area of around 3,437 sqm (37,000 sqft). The scheme provides four court rooms, an assembly hall, and a custody area with cells, private open-plan offices, consultation and waiting rooms, robing and retiring rooms and a van dock.

The designs for the court reflect its important civic status, while ensuring that it’s approachable and easy to use. The new development has been tipped as a model for future linear magistrates’ courts.

The scheme was designed in accordance with the high environmental assessment standards set by HMCS, and needed to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’. External materials include high quality reconstituted stone panels and facing brick. Pre-oxidised copper-clad brise-soleil hangs two metres away from the front of the building, and the external walls of the courtrooms are similarly clad with copper.