City of London unveils plans for court and police HQ

The City of London Corporation has revealed proposals for a new court and police complex on Fleet Street, EC4. The plans comprise a flagship 18-courtroom facility and purpose-built headquarters for the City of London Police, along with a commercial development that will help fund the scheme. The masterplan for the site proposes three individual buildings. The new court facility will include improved facilities for users and staff. HM Courts and Tribunal Service will take a long lease from the City of London Corporation for a peppercorn rent. The City of London Police will vacate its four locations across the City in its relocation to the scheme. The sale of the vacated courts and police buildings would in turn offer options for restoration and uses “more fitting to their historic locations”. A commercial building is planned for the rear of the site, providing offices and space for shops, bars or restaurants at ground level. Eric Parry Architects is overseeing the masterplan and design work. Early public consultation on the Fleet Street scheme has launched, with the aim of submitting a planning application towards the end of 2020. Courts minister Chris Philp said: “London is the global leader in law. People the world over choose English law for their contracts and London’s courts for dispute resolution. Our legal system is an essential part of our economy. “This new court, with 18 courtrooms, will strengthen our justice system and help us crack down on fraud and economic crime.” Catherine McGuinness, chair of the policy and resources committee at the City of London Corporation, said: “Maintaining London’s position as a world-leading centre for legal services is essential as we lay the foundations for our economic recovery. “This project aims to deliver a new civic hub that will house a state-of-the-art combined court and a new headquarters for the City of London Police in the heart of the Square Mile’s legal and financial services cluster.” She added that the development would be transformational for Fleet Street, “opening up new vistas and public spaces by rejuvenating a tremendously historic area”. Ian Dyson, commissioner of the City of London Police, said the new HQ would “allow the force to be as efficient and effective as possible, embracing technological advancement and smart working practices to better serve and protect the public”. To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette