Wrexham Magistrates Court ‘strategically important’ as several others likely to close across UK

Last week we reported that it had been finally confirmed that a new custody suite would be built at Wrexham’s Magistrates Court, indicating the court would be safe from any closure plans.

Yesterday Her Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service launched a consultation that will likely see further courts around the UK close including in Banbury, Maidenhead, Cambridge, Chorley, Fleetwood, Northallerton, Wandsworth and Blackfriars in London.

In contrast to the uncertainty across areas of the UK, the new custody suite planning application for the Wrexham states “Wrexham Magistrates Court is a strategically important court within the North Wales area”, adding a line that could indicate there could be growth on the site rather than future cuts: “In addition to allowing continuation of criminal case business, it will improve flexibility of service of the estate for future improvements.”

(Image removed on request July 2018)

The look and feel of the building is explained as: “Externally the building will be clad in brickwork to closely match the existing Court building. The brickwork is modelled to provide interest to what is a straightforward functional building, as shown on the elevations. The pitched roof will house the plant required for heating and ventilation of the building. The roof finish will be sympathetic to the Court building with a single ply finish with applied detailing to have the appearance of a standing seam roof.”

Wrexham Council’s planning department and Committee are encouraged to be prompt on considering the proposed new custody suite, with any delay noted as possibly interrupting the operation of the Courts.