The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) has improved its plans to deliver Scotland’s first purpose-built Justice Centre in Inverness.
The new plans will be available for public consultation before being reviewed by Highland Council’s planning committee.
With ongoing support and funding from Scottish Government, the SCTS is confident the new planning proposal presents an improved design in keeping with what will be a landmark building in the city. The new design addresses planning conditions, is more efficient in the use of accommodation and provides attractive public space, along with improved access via a drop-off area, additional parking and disabled spaces.
Eric McQueen, Chief Executive said: “Rather than simply a replacement sheriff court building, the justice centre will play a pivotal role in changing victims’, witnesses’ and offenders’ experience of the justice system, while providing high quality secure criminal courts, and flexible accommodation for our civil courts and tribunal users.
“By bringing together the right organisations, we can all focus on problem-solving approaches to reduce reoffending and increase the opportunity for community sentencing, while providing the facilities and technology to remove the need for children to appear in court and in the longer term, digital case management for summary crime.”
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “We are working with SCTS to deliver a justice system that is accessible and fit-for-purpose and the new Inverness Justice Centre will give the people of the Highlands access to modern facilities and support all in the same place, making a positive impact for local communities.
“I would encourage anybody with an interest in the proposals to go to the public exhibition and make sure they have their say.”
In addition to the direct justice benefits, the location of the justice centre will help transform the surrounding area, with the transfer of Inverness Castle to Highland Council ownership stimulating economic growth for the city as it works in partnership with the Scottish Government and other public bodies to develop a major tourism attraction
Construction is planned to begin in late 2017 with contractor Robertson Construction Ltd to complete the main building works in 2019.
The public exhibition will take place on Thursday 22nd June in the Magnus Room, Royal Highland Hotel, 18 Station Square, Academy St, Inverness IV1 1LG from 3pm – 7pm.
Notes:
Artwork for the new centre design is available by contacting communications@scotcourts.gov.uk 0131 444 3310
Organisations and services supported in the justice centre include:
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Highland Council (Criminal justice Social Work)
• Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
• Families Outside
• HMCTS
• G4S (Security)
• NHS Highland
• Police Scotland
• Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration
• Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service
• Witness Service/Victim Support Scotland
• Scottish Women’s Aid