An impression of how the building could look
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson visited Inverness Castle today for a preview of a public consultation exhibition for the new Inverness Justice Centre.
The public exhibition takes place in the Spectrum Centre 1 Margaret Street, Inverness, IV1 1LS on 30 August from 14;00-19;00 and will set out the site arrangements and the concept design of the new centre as part of a pre-planning submission to Highland Council.
Model of proposed new justice centre
Eric McQueen, Chief Executive, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service said: “This is a very exciting development and unique in its vision to bring together a range of organisations who work within the justice environment in the Highlands. With financial support in place from Scottish Government, the Inverness Justice Centre is a fantastic opportunity to improve the delivery of justice within a purpose-built fully integrated facility.
“We have a first class project team in place and are working with justice organisations to make sure we can provide the best environment and facilities for victims, witnesses and all courts and tribunals users, all within an accessible and high quality building which is supported by digital innovation and sustainable by design.”
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson with Sheriff Principal Pyle
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson said: “I am very happy that Scottish Government funding is making a difference to delivering a new Justice Centre for Inverness and the Highlands. I would encourage the public to visit the Scottish Courts and Tribunals exhibition for the opportunity to see these exciting new proposals for themselves.”
The building designs illustrate a two storey building located on a site between Longman Road and Burnett Road to the North of the Police Station. The exhibition will show the high level detail of the combination of office space and courtroom accommodation which will be shared by the justice organisations located in the building. There are two distinct building wings joined by a public atrium.
These concept designs will be influenced by the feedback to the public exhibition. Once Highland Council Planning Committee’s consideration of the pre-planning application has been received by SCTS, and if supportive, the next step would be to submit an application for full planning permission.
Leader of The Highland Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson said: “Highland Council supports progressing the move of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service from Inverness Castle and turning the castle and surrounding area into a major visitor attraction for the city and region. I am therefore delighted that Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson is highlighting the public consultation exhibition for a new Inverness Justice Centre and I would urge everyone with an interest to visit the exhibition which will be at the Spectrum Centre on 30 August.”