Plans for a stunning new magistrates’ court complex in Eastside have taken another major step forward after the land was secured by Her Majesty’s Court Service.
Masshouse Developments, a joint venture between developer Nikal and RBS Property Ventures, is now planning to start work on the £81 million project early next year.
The 20,600 sq m building, designed by Stirling Prize-nominated architect Denton Corker Marshall, will anchor the £500 million mixed-use Masshouse scheme on Moor Street, Queensway, at the gateway to Eastside. The new judicial building, which received planning permission earlier this year, will house 24 courtrooms over 13 storeys. The build programme is due for completion in early 2013.
Nick Payne, chairman of Masshouse Developments, said: “Construction work on the first two buildings at Masshouse has been ongoing during the past four years, so the development’s success story had already gathered pace. However, securing such a formidable anchor as the new magistrates’ court for Birmingham will pave the future for Masshouse and give the scheme considerable kudos.
“The fact that we have signed the deal for the magistrates’ courts to come to Masshouse is fantastic news for the area as a whole and it will help to bring forward further construction projects across Eastside.
“We believe that the deal being signed to secure the site for Birmingham’s new magistrates’ court at Masshouse is as exciting for the city as the plans for New Street Station or the new library. When granting permission for the project earlier this year, Birmingham City Council’s planning committee was tremendously excited about the project due to the outstanding design and the reputation of the architect.”
The milestone for the Masshouse complex is a major boost for the beleaguered Eastside project which has stalled in recent years due to the downturn in the economy, the credit crunch and the collapse in residential property prices.
Since the scheme was launched one of the original partners in Masshouse Developments – David McLean Group – has gone bust while other projects for the area such as a new park and the City Park Gate scheme are yet to come to fruition.
“Once completed, I am sure that this building will add to the stock of award-winning design in Birmingham,” said Mr Payne. “In addition to the architecture, Birmingham’s new magistrates’ court will transform the level of foot traffic and awareness of Eastside as an integral part of Birmingham’s city centre. This is a very exciting time for Eastside.”
