Burton Upon Trent Magistrates Court
Had a look at this sometime 2020 but really didnt try hard enough, then saw @jtza report here https://www.28dayslater.co.uk/threa...es-court-burton-upon-trent-april-2021.129418/ & knew we had to have a crack next time we were passing.
A new magistrates’ court and police station were designed by local architect, Henry Beck. The above architectual drawing, which shows the impressive building, appeared in the 1910 Royal Academy Exhibition. Local builder, Richard Kershaw, was selected to construct the building having completed both the new Fire Station and General Post Office in New Street a few years earlier. Reflecting the confidence of the town at the time, it was constructed from the best quality Portland Stone.
The historic building has been empty since September, 2016, after it was closed by the Tory Government to save cash.
The Courts and Tribunals Service previously came under fire from protesters when it was announced the Grade II listed court would be closing its doors after more than 110 years of dispensing local justice in the town.
Campaigners wanted it to stay open as they wanted cases to be dealt with locally and victims and witnesses did not have travel miles to attend hearings.
The building used to comprised two adult courts and a separate family court, including a youth court.
More than 2,000 people signed a petition to fight against the closure saying it was wrong for victims and witnesses, as well as defendants, to have to travel to alternative courts, such as Cannock, North Staffordshire Justice Centre in Newcastle under Lyme, and Derby.
They went on to say "The court would suit office space, perhaps a large headquarters or three to four small offices with a 40-space car park at the back.
"We have interest in using the building for education purposes or a religious meeting centre and there has also been interest made in a yoga school.
"We have a lot of experience dealing with listed buildings. Many in Friar Gate are Georgian listed so we are quite used to renovating and maintaining listed buildings.
Those lights are an interior designers wet dream!
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Thats all from this delightful building!
