INVERNESS JUSTICE CENTRE

Project: Inverness Justice Centre – Client Adviser Role
Client: SCTS
Location: Inverness
Value: £23.5m
Listing: N/A
Date Complete: 2020

In 2016 SCTS received funding from the Scottish Government to build Scotland’s first purpose-built Justice Centre in Inverness and vacate the existing Sheriff Court, Castle site.

MLA were commissioned at an early stage, to undertake the role of Client Advisers on the project working closely with SCTS Property Services Unit, SCTS Operational Clients, PM, Justice Partners, Stakeholders, and the Design Team, to ensure the best possible operational and design outcome.

As specialists in Scottish Courtroom design, MLA were involved in the six Courtroom layouts and ancillary accommodation, balancing the SCTS Design Brief (developed in the 1990s and recent digital and audio-visual improvements with the chosen architect’s vision, bringing our considerable experience to ensure the Courtrooms were designed to meet best practice and be fully operationally fit for purpose.

The Justice Centre building was designed by a consortium led by Robertson’s and architects, Reiach and Hall. The SCTS brief required that the building illustrated that the justice system is accessible and was designed for modern court and tribunals facilities. Other justice and support organisations are also based in the Centre, providing integrated facilities for victims, witnesses, litigants, and other users. The building also includes video witness link facilities for young and vulnerable people.