By Gavin Mackintosh-
HM Courts & Tribunals Service has spent over £100m on a seven-story office building to host a new tribunal centre in London.
The Central London Tribunal Centre at 7 Newgate Street – was purchased for £111m plus VAT and is expected to open by the end of 2023 – will have 30 rooms for hearing cases involving employment, social security and child support disputes.
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The hefty money assigned to the building comes with the optimism that it would be a very efficient one with a range of highly paid personnel committed to delivering top service.
The centre will cover up to an 18-court development in Salisbury Square, near Fleet Street, which will provide Crown, magistrates’, county and civil courts.
It is due to open in 2025. However, it is understood the Central London Tribunal Centre will replace existing tribunal rooms in the capital which are due to close.
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The funding adds some confusion to claims that the courts are still underfunded, given the many pledges of funding made in the past. Staff in a number of courts have complained of a lack of funding, but the courts complaining of lack of funding may not be representative of the total number of Courts in the UK. Many courts are still experiecing a heavy backlog in cases waiting to be heard.
Justice minister James Cartlidge (picture)said: ‘The new tribunal centre will be developed into a modern space in the heart of London, with tribunal users at the forefront of its design. We are investing significantly in court rooms and tribunal buildings across the country to meet the demands of our justice system.’
HMCTS property director Rupert Morgan said: ‘I am delighted to confirm the purchase of 7 Newgate Street, securing tribunal hearing capability within the heart of London for years to come. Optimising energy use and carbon emissions, the building will deliver the modern and efficient facilities which our users expect.’
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